shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Mumbai Hundreds throng Virar railway station seeking to board locals

Mumbai: Hundreds throng Virar railway station seeking to board locals

Updated on: 08 September,2020 07:00 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Rajendra B Aklekar |

In second such incident in two days, office goers mob Virar railway station, staging a protest against restrictions on train travel

Mumbai: Hundreds throng Virar railway station seeking to board locals

The commuters came to Virar station from nearby bus stops after buses got delayed

Ofice goers mobbed Virar railway station on Monday morning demanding to be allowed to travel on local trains. Citizens blamed the Maharashtra government for imbalance as the recent Unlock 4.0 guidelines allowed more people in offices but did not provide enough public transport facilities for daily commute.


This is the second such incident in the suburbs in the past two days and third in two months when Nalasopara station saw a rail roko on July 22.


More than 300 commuters came to Virar station from nearby bus stops after buses got delayed owing to traffic problems


Sources said that 200-300 angry commuters, mostly office goers, staged a protest outside Virar railway station. The protest led to traffic jams during the morning rush hour.

Traffic delayed buses

On Monday, there was heavy traffic on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway for him to reach office due to which buses could not reach in time at the Virar bus depot leading to the protest.

More than 300 commuters came to Virar station from nearby bus stops after buses got delayed owing to traffic problems
More than 300 commuters came to Virar station from nearby bus stops after buses got delayed owing to traffic problems

A GRP official said that passengers from the Virar ST bus stand gathered near the station around 9.45 am and protested for 15-20 minutes.

A consolidated team of GRP, Railway Protection Force, Maharashtra Security Force and the city police did not allow passengers to enter the station.

Previous incidents

On Saturday night, some passengers tried to enter Borivli station at around 10:15 pm due to unavailability of buses outside the station. An official said that initially there were just four women GRP constables to stop the mob, reinforcements and the city police joined by 10:30 pm.

By 10:45 pm, additional buses were arranged and the mob dispersed. The ticket checking staff at the station alerted senior officials and the divisional railway manager, who averted the crisis in time. Passengers complained that they had been waiting all evening for buses.

On July 22, passengers from the nearby state transport bus stand staged a rail roko at Nalasopara, demanding permission to travel.

"After the government allowed 30 per cent staff in offices, our employers have started calling us to work. Locals are shut, roads are bad and it takes ages to reach destinations. No salaries are being given because of lack of attendance. Does the government understand the situation? What are we to do?" commuter Sachin Gavhate said.

Another commuter Ninad Patil said organisations are terminating employees if they don't report to work. People from Vasai-Virar have no option but to take the risk and travel.

Another commuter Akshat said, "Those who understand Mumbai well will agree that the lower middle class stays at Kalyan-Dombivli on Central Line and Nalasopara-Virar on the Western Line. Expecting people to travel from these places to Fort/Churchgate by road is evil and criminal."

300
Approx. no. of commuters that gathered for Monday's protest

Keep scrolling to read more news

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK