Explained: The rules for travelling by Mumbai local trains; steps to get monthly pass

All people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can board the local trains starting from at least 14 days after receiving the second dose.

Government and semi-government employees, as well as those associated with essential services, will be allowed to travel by the local trains irrespective of their vaccination status. (Express photo)

Four months after the Maharashtra government had shut down local train services for the general public to stop Covid-19 spread, fully vaccinated people have now been allowed to board suburban locals in Mumbai at least 14 days after taking their second dose. We look at who all are eligible to travel by these local trains and the steps to obtain monthly passes.

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Who is eligible to board the suburban local trains in Mumbai?

According to an announcement made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on August 8, all people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can board the local trains starting from at least 14 days after receiving the second dose.

The authorities will, however, verify an individual’s vaccination status before giving the necessary clearance to buy a monthly pass.

The local train services for the general public resumed in Mumbai from August 15.

What is procedure for offline verification to obtain a monthly pass?

An offline process to verify the vaccination status of those who have received both shots is being carried out at local railway stations on all three lines — western, central and harbour. The process began on August 11.

A total of 420 help desks have been set up at 109 railway stations across the MMR which will be operational on from 7 am to 11 pm daily, with two consecutive sessions.

Local train services resumed for the general public in Mumbai from August 15 (Express photo)

Fully vaccinated people who wish to obtain the monthly pass can approach these help desks which have been set up near ticket counters of railway stations.

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Eligible citizens should carry original hard copies of the final vaccination certificate along with proof of a government-issued photo identity (preferably Aadhar Card). They are also need to carry a coloured photocopy of the photo ID and the final vaccination certificate.

Both these documents are absolutely necessary to enter the railway station premises.

Once the verification of these documents is completed, the certificate and the identification proof will be stamped by the authorities. The monthly pass can be obtained after showing the stamped copies of the documents at the railway ticket counter.

All commuters need to carry the monthly pass, final vaccination certificate and an identity card while travelling by the local trains.

How can people obtain the pass online?

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The Relief and Rehabilitation Department of the Maharashtra had set up an online portal to provide e-passes to those associated with essential services. People can now visit the same website (https://epassmsdma.mahait.org) to obtain their monthly passes.

Eligible citizens can visit the site, click on the ‘Travel Pass for Vaccinated Citizens’ option and key in the mobile number they have used while registration for vaccination.

Users will then get an OTP via SMS, on entering which they need to input details like name, mobile number, beneficiary reference number, etc, and click on the ‘Generate Pass’ option.

The site will then automatically show the details of applicant, including the vaccination dates. Applicants must then upload their photographs under the self-image option.

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After completion of this process, a message will appear stating that applicant will receive a link in 48 hours via SMS. Once the link is received, the e-pass can be obtained.

The actual monthly pass can be obtained on showing this e-pass at a railway ticket counter.

The e-pass will be issued if at least 14 days have been completed since receiving the second vaccine dose. If anybody applies before that, s/he will receive the e-pass only after the stipulated period has been completed.

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Apart from the fully vaccinated people, who else are allowed to travel by the local trains?

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Government and semi-government employees, as well as those associated with essential services, will be allowed to travel by the local trains irrespective of their vaccination status.

Who all are not eligible to commute by the local trains?

People who have not been fully vaccinated, or have not completed at least 14 days since receiving the second dose, are not eligible to travel.

Also, fully vaccinated citizens can travel with the monthly pass only and cannot buy tickets for a single journey. Daily season tickets can, however, be used by government employees and those associated with essential services.

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Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More