The Bengal government has allowed suburban local trains to operate at 50 per cent of their seating capacity from November 1.

It has also announced a series of relaxations while extending till November 30 the stricter restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

An order issued on Friday afternoon removed the night-time restrictions (11pm-5am) from November 2 to 5 for Kali Puja, and on November 10 and 11 for Chhath Puja.

Cinemas, theatre halls, auditoriums, stadiums, shopping malls, market complexes, restaurants, bars, spas and gyms can increase occupancy to 70 per cent from the current 50 per cent but will have to close by 11pm. Coaching centres for competitive exams, too, can operate at 70 per cent seating capacity.

Indoor social gatherings, including for weddings, and film and TV shooting can be held with occupancy limited to 70 per cent of the capacity of the venue.

Officials said that as schools and colleges were being reopened from November 16, the local trains were being allowed to operate, but at 50 per cent seating capacity.

“If local trains are not allowed, students might face trouble in reaching schools and colleges. Even though the number of positive cases is rising, we are hopeful that the situation can be brought under control if the Covid protocols are followed. The situation will be monitored on a regular basis after schools and colleges are reopened and appropriate steps will be taken if positive cases rise abnormally,” a source said.