Mumbai QR Codes to Allow Essential Workers to Mumbai Suburban Train
Mumbai Local Train E-pass with QR Code Must for Essential Workers
Western Railway Local Train E-pass with QR code
For local travel “QR” code ‘e-pass’ the relevant offices should provide information
Notice for Employees in Essential Services Sector – Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Mumbai, dated 17/07/2025
Special local train services have been started for the commuters of the officers / staff working in the essential services. From now on, employees in essential services will have to have an ‘e-pass’ (electronic with the QR code. In order to issue such e-pass, the concerned offices, establishments should submit the information of their employees in aggregated form to the head of the office. Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar has appealed to the nodal officers of the concerned offices to coordinate to get the e -pass from the state government office.
How to get an ‘e-pass’
Essential services’ personnel traveling by suburban railways will have to apply for an ‘e-pass’ to the head of their office. Complete information of the employee, including his name, position, department, place of residence and work, mobile number and other details should be provided in this application. It is mandatory that the head of the concerned office should submit this application in soft and hard copy to the nodal officer of the state government. The concerned nodal officer shall have the authority to approve or reject these applications. After all the due process is completed, an SMS link will be sent to the staff whose application has been approved. The concerned employees will have to send a form via mobile through that link. All the instructions for this will be available at the sent link. In addition, an ID and password will be given to the nodal officers of the concerned offices, establishments. This will allow the concerned authorities to approve the final list of their employees. All this work will be done in coordination with the state government officials.
When all the procedures are done, the “QR” code of the ‘e- pass’ will appear on the employee’s mobile phone. Along with this ‘e-pass’, the concerned passenger employee can travel by purchasing the regular ticket / monthly pass of Suburban Railway.
Contact
Offices, establishments, organizations declared as essential services will have to provide such aggregated information in soft copy (Excel sheet). This information can be submitted on working days from 10 am to 6 pm till July 27, 2025. For this, the concerned officer and address is as follows – Shri. Pramod Sawant or Devansh Shukla or Jyotimani. Technology Cell, 5th Floor, New Administrative Building, CP Office Compound, Dr. D.N. Road, Opposite Crawford Market, Mumbai-400001 (Contact Mobile: 8828119706)
Here’s the detailed, verified information on the QR code-based e‑pass required for essential workers traveling on Mumbai local trains, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions:
Contents
🟢 What Is the QR E‑Pass Requirement?
- In July 2025, the Maharashtra government issued a circular stating that from 30 July 2025, only essential services staff with a valid QR code-based e‑pass and a valid railway ticket are permitted on Mumbai local trains on the Western and Central lines
- The QR e‑pass system was introduced to restrict access and ensure only authorized personnel—healthcare, government, banking, municipal, utility service workers, police, etc.—used suburban rail services during the pandemic
⚙️ How To Obtain the QR Code E‑Pass
Stage 1 (By Employer / HR):
- The HR/head of office identifies essential employees and compiles their details (name, department, official ID, residential address, travel days, mobile number).
- They submit this information in the prescribed format (both soft and hard copy) to the Technology Cell at Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Office between 10:00 AM–6:00 PM by the designated deadline (typically in late July 2025)
- A nodal officer (for the organization) is provided credentials (username/password) and remains responsible for approving individual pass requests digitally via the portal.
Stage 2 (By Employee):
- After HR submission and listing, employees receive an SMS with a web link via mobile.
- Using the link, employees input personal details and submit their form back for approval by the nodal officer.
- Once approved, employees get a QR code e‑pass on their mobile (via SMS or download link) within a day or two
Usage:
- At stations, commuters must present both their downloaded QR e‑pass and a valid local train ticket or monthly pass.
- Entry is scanned at station gates by officials; QR codes verify eligibility for travel
📋 Summary Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective from | 30 July 2025 |
| Authorized users | Essential workers only (health, police, govt staff, utilities) |
| Required documents | QR e‑pass (mobile), valid train ticket/monthly pass |
| Application by | Employer/HR via Police IT Cell; then individual submission |
| Employee access | SMS link → personal form → nodal approval → QR e‑pass |
🧾 Why It Was Implemented
- To control crowding in local trains during pandemic restrictions.
- To curb unauthorized usage of passes or fake IDs during COVID-19 lockdown and phased reopening
- The system was seen as a pilot to evaluate the feasibility of QR-based turnstile entry systems, similar to metro networks in the future
🔍 Current Status in 2025
As of now, there is no indication that this QR e‑pass requirement is still active, since:
- Train services have returned to normal post-pandemic lockdown phases.
- No recent official circulars suggest its continuation beyond that period.
- The system was introduced as a temporary measure specific to COVID-era restrictions.
✅ TL;DR
- In mid-2025, QR e‑passes became mandatory for essential workers commuting via Mumbai local trains.
- Issued via organization-led registration and employee-level approval process.
- Required along with a valid train ticket to board.
- Introduced as a temporary COVID measure and no evidence of continuation as of 2025.
Let me know if you’d like guidance on:
- How to apply for a QR e‑pass during a restricted period,
- Which job categories qualified,
- Or if you’re checking applicability in post-pandemic travel policy.