Representatives of 48 railway passenger organisations from Mumbai and Thane have urged Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan to accelerate several long-pending suburban railway projects and improve connectivity, capacity and safety across the region.
The delegation met Chavan at Dombivli Gymkhana and submitted a memorandum outlining a series of measures aimed at addressing the growing pressure on Mumbai’s suburban rail network. The groups called for time-bound action on projects that they said are important for improving services for daily commuters.
One of the principal demands was the speedy completion of the Kalwa-Airoli rail link, which is expected to provide an additional connection between the Thane and Navi Mumbai sides. The passenger representatives also sought faster progress on the proposed third and fourth railway lines between Badlapur and Karjat as well as Kalyan and Kasara.
To strengthen connectivity for commuters travelling beyond the existing suburban corridors, the organisations proposed introducing shuttle services between Thane and Karjat and between Thane and Kasara.
Modernisation of signalling infrastructure was another major demand. The groups said advanced signalling systems could help reduce the gap between successive local trains, allowing services to operate at higher frequencies and improving the network’s ability to handle increasing passenger volumes.
The delegation also raised the need for more direct rail connectivity between Diva, Vasai and Panvel. Additional infrastructure at Kalyan Junction and along the CSMT-bound corridor was sought to address capacity constraints and improve train operations.
The passenger organisations stressed that Mumbai and Thane’s expanding commuter population requires corresponding growth in railway infrastructure. Alongside additional tracks and connectivity, they called for measures focused on passenger safety and more efficient train operations.
Chavan responded positively to the memorandum and assured the representatives that he would take up their concerns with the relevant authorities at the government level.
He also assured the delegation that efforts would be made to pursue pending infrastructure projects, strengthen railway capacity and address passenger safety concerns. The groups are seeking early action on the issues raised as demand for suburban rail services continues to increase across Mumbai and the wider Thane region.
Source: The Free Press Journal
