Several railway activists and NGOs in Thane, a suburb of Mumbai, have joined forces to demand improvements in the city’s suburban train system. Their primary concern is the dire conditions faced by lakhs of commuters who endure overcrowded trains and risk their safety daily. The activists have formulated a five-point agenda, which they plan to submit to the railway administration, seeking the support of the general public.
The key points of their agenda include prioritizing suburban local trains over mail express trains, especially during peak hours. They advocate for shifting all mail express traffic to the fifth and sixth lines, allowing the existing fast corridor to be dedicated solely to fast trains. Additionally, they are demanding the swift completion of delayed projects on the Central, Western, and Harbour corridors. Rajesh Ghanghav, a representative of the Kalyan Kasara passenger association, highlights the disruption caused to commuters’ work schedules by the current practice of delaying local trains to allow express trains to pass during peak hours.
This call for action comes amidst recent disruptions to Central Railway services, with a two-hour delay caused by a snapped overhead wire between Dombivli and Thakurli. The incident led to the cancellation of 54 trains and delays for over 100 others, exacerbating the overcrowding at major stations.
In response to the recent Kanchanjunga train tragedy, the Railways have announced plans to introduce unified Subordinate Rules within 7-10 days to guide loco pilots during signal failures. These rules aim to prioritize the deployment of the Kavach system, a safety technology, with an initial target of covering 5,000 km and expanding to 10,000 locos and 9,000 km by October. Full deployment on key routes is expected by March 2025.
The Central Railway also conducted megablocks on the Main and Harbour lines, resulting in diversions and delays. On the Main line, services between Matunga and Mulund were diverted for over four hours, causing a 15-minute delay. The Harbour line faced a block for over five hours. These megablocks are routine maintenance measures but contribute to the ongoing challenges faced by commuters.
The activists’ five-point agenda underscores the urgent need for improvements to the Mumbai suburban train system. The hope is that the railway administration will take swift action to address these concerns and ensure a safe and efficient commute for the millions who rely on this vital mode of transportation.
