Rail commuters in Mumbai demand civic election attention

Railway Commuters Seek Representation in Civic Elections

MUMBAI: Railway commuters are hoping to engage candidates for the civic elections to represent the 7 million commuters who use the two suburban railway lines in Mumbai. To achieve this, railway passenger associations will meet this weekend to connect with various candidates and discuss the challenges they face. The discussions will cover areas such as Thane, Kurla, Bandra, Andheri, Kalyan, Kalwa, Ghatkopar, and Bhandup.

Commuter Associations’ Initiatives

The associations met earlier this week and reached out to commuters through WhatsApp groups. They discussed how to approach representatives of different political parties. Topics included ongoing railway projects, delays, and last-mile connectivity. The Central and Western Railways serve 7 million commuters daily, but conditions outside railway stations in Mumbai are poor, they noted.

“Political parties don’t have railway commuters on their radar. Yet, from illegal hawkers to vendors, haphazardly parked autorickshaws, and poor roads outside railway stations, the problems are many. Politicians in the municipal elections should not ignore these,” said Madhu Kotian, president of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.

Public Feedback and Candidate Engagement

Another member mentioned they have shared details of ongoing and proposed railway projects affecting Mumbai’s railway commuters on community groups. “We are seeking public feedback through social media,” he said.

Siddesh Desai, a member of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, stated they will talk to commuters at various railway stations. “We are also contacting candidates for the elections, wherever possible, to brief them on issues faced by commuters using local trains and other public transport,” Desai added.

Focus on Transport Infrastructure and Safety

Kailash Varma, president of a commuter organization, noted that previous civic administrations lacked sensitivity toward Mumbai’s transport challenges. “Now, there’s substantial funding for Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. However, there is a need for improved first- and last-mile connectivity,” he said.

Women’s safety on trains and at railway stations will also be discussed with candidates. Nandkumar Deshmukh, president of the Thane Commuters Organisation, stated, “Commuter awareness and civic responsibility have improved at railway stations. But this has to be followed even outside the stations.”