Even though the pandemic restrictions have long been lifted, the Central and Western Railways of suburban Mumbai have recorded falls in ridership.
The Central Railway’s daily average ridership has come down from 45 lakh pre-pandemic to 32.5 lakh, according to a statement issued on Thursday. Similarly, daily ridership in the Western Railway fell from 34.87 lakh to 27.24 lakh. Together, the railways lost 20.13 lakh riders post-pandemic.
The railways believe that the new modes of working that have caught on in the private sector since the Covid lockdowns are to blame for the decline in ridership. Availing of the hybrid and work-from-home options, many city residents have moved to their native places.
