30 August,2016 08:30 AM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav and Varun Singh
Commuter apprehended while carrying fish inside Metro train; MNS questions why Metro is an exception when other public transport allow raw meat
Turns out, the Metro is not too keen on letting commuters onboard with raw meat and even has the rule to show it. However, following the incident on Sunday where a commuter was prevented from entering the Versova Metro station because he was carrying raw fish, the issue has now gained political traction.
Metro authorities say the rule is followed internationally
On Monday, MNS leader Shalini Thackeray protested the rule and questioned why carrying raw meat was not allowed on the Metro if all other modes of public transport had no objection to it.
Speaking to mid-day, she said, "In suburban trains and BEST buses, one can carry raw meat and non-vegetarian items so the same should be allowed in the Metro also."
MMOPL's stand
Incidentally, the rule has always existed under the Metro Act, but it came to light when the commuter was apprehended and informed that any form of raw non-vegetarian meat wasn't allowed on Metro trains.
Later, officials denied having knowledge of any such event, but confirmed that the rule - followed internationally - has always existed. "We do not allow anyone to carry raw meat and this is clearly stated under the Metro Act," a Metro official said, on condition of anonymity.
Another Mumbai Metro One official said that raw and uncooked meat was prohibited inside the Metro to avoid any inconvenience to fellow passengers in closed-door air-conditioned environment. Asked if there was a provision for a fine, a spokesperson said, "The question of penalty doesn't arise because people aren't allowed to go beyond the entry point, if they are found carrying raw meat."
Political turn
After the incident came to light, the MNS leader and her party workers met the MMOPL authorities to discuss the matter, categorically stating that if the rule is not amended, then hundreds of MNS supporters would take to the Metros with non-vegetarian items as protest.
Thackeray also insisted that the Metro should come up with guidelines for the right way to be able to carry raw meat on a Metro.
