48 passenger organizations of Mumbai-Thane raised demand for railway reforms, memorandum submitted to Ravindra Chavan
Mumbai: Representatives of 48 passenger organizations met Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan to improve the facilities for railway passengers in Mumbai and Thane region. In this meeting held at Dombivali Gymkhana, many demands related to increasing the capacity of suburban railways, strengthening security arrangements and improving connectivity were put forward.
During the meeting, passenger organizations demanded early completion of long pending projects related to railways and improvement in local train services. The representatives also submitted a detailed memorandum, mentioning the problems of the passengers and important projects.
Demand to speed up railway projects
Passenger organizations said that the pressure on suburban railways is increasing due to the ever-increasing population in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In such a situation, it is necessary to complete new railway projects quickly, so that passengers can get better facilities.
The main demand in the memorandum was for the early completion of the Kalwa-Airoli rail link project. With the commencement of this link, passengers are expected to get better connectivity and the pressure on the rail network may be reduced.
Emphasis on Badlapur-Karja and Kalyan-Kasara line
Passenger organizations also demanded expediting the work on the third and fourth railway lines between Badlapur-Karjat and Kalyan-Kasara rail routes.
Representatives said that the number of passengers on these routes is continuously increasing. Construction of additional railway lines will facilitate operation of local and long distance trains and can help in reducing travel time.
Demand for Thane-Karjat and Thane-Kasara shuttle service
In the meeting, the passengers also demanded to start shuttle service between Thane to Karjat and Thane to Kasara. According to passenger groups, this service will provide additional options to people living in suburban areas and will make travel between different areas easier.
He said that by starting new shuttle services, the pressure of congestion on the main railway routes can be reduced.
Discussion on increasing security and capacity
Not only new projects but also safety of passengers and enhancing the capacity of existing services were discussed in the meeting.
Passenger organizations pointed out the need for better facilities at railway stations, safe environment for passengers and improvement in local train services.
Ravindra Chavan gave assurance
Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan responded positively to the demands of the passenger organizations. He assured the delegates that he would pursue these issues at the concerned authorities and government level.
Chavan said that it is necessary to solve the problems of passengers and discussions will be held at the necessary level regarding development works related to railways.
Reforms are necessary amid increasing population
The suburban railways of Mumbai and Thane region are among the busiest rail systems in the country. Lakhs of passengers travel by local trains every day.
In view of the increasing population and passenger numbers, there has been a continuous demand for expansion and modernization of the railway network. Passenger organizations say that it is necessary to improve the facilities with time, so that passengers can have a safe and comfortable journey.
Passengers’ expectations increased
After the meeting, passenger organizations expressed hope that action would be taken soon on their demands. He says that if railway projects get momentum, lakhs of passengers of Mumbai and Thane region will directly benefit.
At present, further action is being taken at the level of concerned departments regarding the demands of passenger organizations. Decisions of the government and railway administration on proposals like Kalwa-Airoli link, additional railway lines and new shuttle services will be awaited.