The first day of the new restrictions on public transport saw smooth sailing on Thursday. Through railway and BEST bus services were normal and there were random checks outside railway stations, crowds were comparatively much less than every day, though they increased in the evening.

‘Crowds as usual’

There was significant crowding as usual in the evening rush hour, as the government has failed to stagger timings of its own offices. “Crowds were there as usual at many stations, though the intensity was less. If you want to see the real crowds, come down to stations like Virar, Nallasopara, Mira Road and Boisar,” said a passenger, Abhijit Rawale.