Latest news with #Diva-CSMT
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Time of India
Commuters demand urgent improvements on overcrowded Thane Kalyan rail stretch
Thane: Nearly two months after the Mumbra train mishap spotlighted inadequate suburban rail services, commuter groups are demanding urgent intervention to improve conditions on the overcrowded Thane-Kalyan stretch. Activists have called on the railway administration to implement out-of-the-box solutions, such as starting Diva-originating locals and shuttles between Thane and Karjat/Kasara using the under-utilised 5th and 6th railway lines. The aim is to ease the burden on packed trains, especially during peak hours, they said. Commuter rights group members have written to the Railway Ministry, and some, like activist Amol Kendre from Diva, have even approached the Bombay High Court, seeking directions to run more Diva-CSMT locals and halt fast trains at intermediate stations like Diva and Dombivli. "The density of suburban commuters has grown significantly, but local services haven't kept pace. This is forcing people to travel in dangerously overcrowded trains, and the numbers of casualties and injuries are still high," said Om Prakash Sharma of the Thane District Rail Passengers Association, who recently wrote to the Railway Board. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A passenger travelling on the Kalyan-Karjat route complained of how they were unable to board trains en route. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo "It is difficult to enter Karjat-Kasara trains in the evening from Thane or Kalyan, often leading to fights over boarding as many short destination commuters block the gangway, leaving us to either travel by long-distance trains or wait for the next train that operates once every hour," said the commuter. Rajesh Ghangav of the Kalyan-Kasara Passengers Association suggested operating dedicated shuttles every 30–45 minutes from the far-flung suburbs of Karjat and Kasara to Thane. "Most long-distance commuters disembark at Thane. Running shuttles on 5-6 lines that could skip halts at Diva and Dombivli could provide an alternative for long-distance passengers and also reduce accident risks on the stretch," he said. Railway officials, however, confirmed no decisions were made yet about any upgrade, including Diva-originating locals or additional halts at the station for fast trains.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mumbai local train accident: Activists seek new local trains from Diva to reduce overcrowding on Thane-Diva corridor
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.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Thane train accident: Activists seek new local trains from Diva to reduce overcrowding on Thane-Diva corridor
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.
