With the permission of the Union Ministrt of Health Affairs, the Indian Railways have opened up the services of the Mumbai suburban rail network of Western and Central lines to facilitate easier travel to JEE Main and NEET exam candidates and their guardians on exam dates. JEE exams have been scheduled till September 6, while NEET has been slated for September 13.

Transportation made easier

The Union Railway Minister announced that the JEE and NEET aspirants are now permitted to travel by special suburban services over Mumbai Suburban network of Central and Western Railways on days of competitive exams. This service has exclusively been made available to the student candidates and guardians, while other citizens have been appealed to not rush to the stations.

Students would be allowed entry by a show of their admit card and all stations have been directed to open up additional booking centres on exam days to ensure social distancing. All travellers have to follow medical and social protocols and other coronavirus related measures to ensure a safe and smooth travel.

The suburban railway network of Mumbai was suspended in March due to the nationwide lockdown, and presently runs partially only for essential workers in the city. About 350 locals run on both Central and Western lines daily where earlier this number was more than 3,000. To ensure social distancing and strict surveillance allowing only designated travellers to enter the stations, the railways have introduced a QR code reader at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and 14 suburban railway stations which will scan the e-ticket and facilitate entry and subsequent train travel.