Thane train accident: Activists seek new local trains from Diva to reduce overcrowding on Thane-Diva corridor

Time of India

2 days ago

THANE: The Mumbra incident reignited long-standing demands for local trains to start from Diva, a move activists say could ease pressure on the overcrowded Thane-Diva corridor, which was second highest in commuter fall-related casualties last year.
BJP MLC Niranjan Davkhare, among the first to reach Mumbra station, said commuters and activists requested him to push for Diva-originating locals. 'It's a justified demand. We will convey it to the railway administration and work towards it,' he said.
Both Shiv Sena and NCP (SP) also flagged the issue, pointing out that despite a population surge in Diva over the past decade, very few trains halt there. Those that do originate from distant suburbs, leaving local commuters struggling to board.
Dr Shrikant Shinde, Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan, called for launching Diva-CSMT locals and fast-tracking the extension of the fifth and sixth lines beyond Kurla. 'While the Thane-Kalyan lines helped, we now need to extend them up to CSMT to ease congestion,' he said.
NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad reiterated his demand to start Diva-CSMT locals immediately. 'Mumbra and Kalwa's populations soared, but local services haven't kept up. AC locals are not the answer—trains from Kasara, Titwala, and Kalyan arrive packed, leaving no room for our commuters,' he said.