Mumbai: Protests by passenger associations for local train resumption stalled

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Passenger associations that had called for protest against non-resumption of local trains have postponed their agitation in hopes of a decisive action on January 12. The Maharashtra government has told the Mumbai High Court that a decision regarding giving access to general public in local trains would be taken at a meeting on January12.

"People beyond Kalyan are almost dying of hunger, because they are not allowed to travel in local trains. It is expensive to travel by road to Mumbai and if trains are not allowed for everyone, it will be a doom for many," said Nandkumar Deshmukh, president of Federation of Suburban Passengers Association, who had called for an agitation, said.

The protesters had called for an unauthorized boarding of local trains and travelling to offices if official permissions were not issued. However, with the meeting now scheduled in two days, the agitation has now been stalled and they have decided to wait for the meeting.

"They know the consequences and they will take all care. Those who do not need to will not travel but denying access like this is all unfair. There are so many solutions of running trains with additional coaches or staggering office timings. But the government is not ready to think on any of these. Just shutting access to trains won't help," Deshmukh added.

He went on, "The plan to allow commuters in the night after 10pm should not be implemented. It will not be of use to anyone. Instead, they should allow general passengers to travel in the afternoon time."