Services on Central Railways resumed after halting for six hours post clash with police in Mumbai on Friday. The stalling of a train at Diva station on Central line and the subsequent traffic disruption had turned ugly in the wee hours after commuters squatted on the tracks and blocked all four tracks on Friday.
The incident took place after a pantograph of a local train going towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus broke near Thakurli station at 7:00 am, near Kalyan, in Thane district.
The angry commuters allegedly pelted some local trains with stones at Diva and also burnt tyres on the streets to vent their anger against the erratic running of trains.
"The protesters also set on fire at least three vehicles, including a police jeep," Thane Municipal Corporation's Disaster Control Officer Santosh Kadam said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation after the outbreak of train commuters' fury and appealed the people to maintain peace.
Reacting to the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, "After local train disruption I have sent MOS Home and UD Ranjeet Patil to immediately ensure that Law and Order situation is maintained."
He further said he has discussed the matter with Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. "We will look into the reasons of disruption and work on corrective course for future," he added.
"The Chief Minister has appealed for peace. Police is taking all steps to restore peace," Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil told reporters here.
"The CM is monitoring the situation every five minutes. He has spoken to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu," he said.
Terming the incident very unfortunate, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very unfortunate for commuters to suffer on Central Rail. Directed General Manager to sort out the grievances as soon as possible. Diva to CST feasibility studied now."
He further added, We will work with Maharashtra government to create separate SPV to address State issues. Discussed the matter with Chief Minister. Both governments will work on it."
At least one motorman of a local train was injured in stone-throwing, the disaster control room office said.
Police had to resort to lathicharge to quell the irate mob.
Very unfortunate for commuters to suffer on Central Rail. Directed GM to sort out the grievances ASAP. Diva to CST feasibility studied now
We will work with Maharashtra Govt to create separate SPV to address State issues. Discussed with CM. Both Govts will work on it.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}