Dahanu-Panvel train skips station, leaves commuters in a lurch

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Commuters at Umroli station and those on the Dahanu-Panvel train were left helpless, after it did not make its scheduled halt there yesterday. A complaint has been lodged with the station manager. The incident occurred around 5.50 am, which left several school students, office-goers and vendors fuming. Commuters pulled the stop chain, after which the train halted a few metres away from the station.

Commuters were then forced to alight on the tracks. Those waiting on the platform could only watch, with a few saying that no announcement had been made at the station. Western Railway chief public relations officer Ravinder Bhakar confirmed the incident, while divisional railway officials said they had ordered an inquiry and action would be taken against the motorman after it was complete.

Sources said the motorman may have misjudged the speed of the train and could not halt at the platform on time, though he was aware of the timetable. The 69164 Dahanu Road-Panvel MEMU left Dahanu at 5.30 am. It was scheduled to halt at Umroli station at 5.55 am. It was to make a minute's halt and had stopped at the Vangaon and Boisar stations before heading to Umroli.

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