Pune: The Maharashtra state government on Wednesday declared its new guidelines for the latest Unlock 5.0. In a major relief, the state government has allowed resuming the local train services in Pune region in its new Unlock 5.0.

Since the lockdown in the nation started on March 23, all the train services in the Pune railway division had halted operations. Now, after six months the local trains are recommencing its service in the region which is a major transport mode for working people between Pune and Lonavala.

The Unlock 5.0 guidelines read, “Local trains in Pune region to be resumed as per the protocols and procedure followed in MMR region. The commissioner of police, Pune, will be the nodal officer to coordinate for the same.”

Akshay Salunkhe who travels daily to Lonavala from Pune for work said, “Its relief for us as the ‘lifeline’ is back on track. It was difficult to commute daily to Lonavala via road where I used to pay exorbitant price daily. As the lockdown had affected a lot, it was difficult to survive as many travellers like me used to pay huge money for the cabs to travel.” There are eight local trains running between Pune and Lonavala in a slot of 42 where 21 from each side run between 5 am to midnight. Over 35,000 travellers, including students and officer-goers, travel via local trains.

The railway officials with Pune Division has stated that they will meet the Pune Police Commissioner soon to decide on the manner in which services can be resumed.

In Mumbai, only government employees and those working with essential service sector are permitted to travel in local trains. Some exceptions have been made for students, lawyers and tiffin providers who have been given QR codes.

Meanwhile, the state government on Wednesday also permitted hotels, food courts, restaurants, and bars to run with effect from October 5 with 50 per cent capacity. On the other side, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain shut till October 31.