Post the complete shutdown of the Mumbai locals during the early phase of the pandemic, the services gradually opened up for certain sections of the population. Given the dwindling number of COVID-19 patients in the city, the complete revival of the local trains is anticipated in the near future but the government hasn't taken a final decision yet. Keeping this in mind, Mumbai University has shelved the idea of allowing offline classes till local trains are resumed for the general public.
Offline classes deferred till local trains start for all
As per reports, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University affirmed that the colleges would be asked to restart only after all the local train services are fully restored, assuring easy commutation for the students. The university has been conducting online classes since March, like the rest of the educational institutes in the country.
Owing to this, a number of practical classes that necessitated offline presence have been shifted to the next semester. While most colleges are awaiting directives from the University, some institutions have decided to resume offline classes for specific courses from February. Contrary to this, Savitribai Phule Pune University is preparing to open all of its 800 affiliated colleges from January 11.
Decision regarding complete restoration of local trains to be taken next week
While government employees, essential service workers, travellers with long-distance rail tickets and other authorized citizens are allowed to avail the local train facilities, the state government is currently holding discussions to grant this access to all. A final decision pertaining to this will be proclaimed next week, as per reports.
Additonally, the passenger count has increased dramatically in the local trains since the last two weeks, taking the overall tally above the 8 lakh mark, late last week. While the administration is contemplating the restoration of local train services for all, the situation requires great attention so that the COVID-19 curve doesn't surge yet again.
