A random statement by a state minister that only seated commuters will be allowed on local trains triggered a debate among passenger bodies on the practicality of such a move. Official guidelines, however, have not imposed any such curbs.

“It would be impractical to impose such guidelines. How would it have been implemented? By allotting each coach to a station or by limiting halts? The state government should not be thinking about such things without the involvement of railways. How can one count heads and travel on trains,” questioned Lata Argade, secretary of the Suburban Railway Passengers Association in Thane.