Maharashtra Unlock 5.0: Lockdown extended till Oct 31; hotels to resume operation

The Maharashtra state government has extended lockdown till October 31 to contain the spread of Coronavirus. However, as per the reports, hotels, restaurants, food courts, and bars will be allowed to resume operation from October 5, but only at 50 per cent of their capacity. As per an official release, a separate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the tourism department for precautions to be taken while operating these establishments.
Also, as per the latest guidelines, all trains originating and ending the journey within the state will be resuming services with immediate effect, which will be subjected to health protocols for COVID-19.
Although the Centre has announced a new set of guidelines under Unlock 5.0, states still have to take decisions with regards to lockdown or the unlock. Thus, the Maharashtra state government has issued guidelines and announced lockdown till October 31, albeit certain relaxations.
Here’s a list of travel related guidelines that you need to know.

• All trains operating within the state will be allowed to operate.
• Railways will increase the frequency of local trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
• Reportedly, the suburban railway network of Mumbai will remain closed for the public, except for those who have been permitted to use it under previous guidelines.
• Local trains in Pune will also resume operations, but with relevant protocols in place.
• Dabbawalas will now be able to travel via local trains, but only after procuring QR codes from the Mumbai police commissioner’s office.