42 lakh commuters were left in a lurch as train services were delayed and cancelled. These also included the college students, whose examinations were scheduled today.
Four hours of rail roko during peak time between the Central line of Dadar and Matunga threw the public rail transport of Mumbai in a complete state of disarray. 42 lakh commuters were left in a lurch as train services were delayed and cancelled. These also included the college students, whose examinations were scheduled today.
The problem started at around 6.40am when Devagiri Express followed by a local train coming from Thane towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), was first stopped by these protesters. Scores of protesters resorted to rail roko as they walked on all four tracks.
Due to this there was cascading effect on the services as trains bunched one behind the other. "We had to cancel 68 services during the period. We also ran 30 special services from Kurla to Kalyan," said SK Jain, Divisional Railway Manager (Mumbai), Central Railway.
Due to the protest, the dabbawalas had to return. "There are 35000 dabbas on that line from Kalyan till CSMT which could not delivered and had to be returned," said Subhash Talekar, leader, Mumbai Dabbawala Association.
The University of Mumbai asked all its affiliated colleges to grant hour extra to students who come late to the exam hall due to the issue. "We had asked all colleges to allow students upto an hour late in both sessions owing to the issue. Those students who turned up late were also given extra time to write their papers accordingly" said an MU spokesperson.
People were stuck at railway stations, inside packed locals and many spilled onto the roads as they walked on tracks. The BEST operated 115 extra bus services to assist passengers. The taxis and autos too were taking many on share basis especially to office and commercial spaces. Finally trains resumed at 10.35am after protesters were removed from tracks.
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