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Motormen strike leaves Mumbai train commuters stranded
Lakhs of train commuters in the country's commercial hub have been going through a trying time in returning home during evening rush hour as motormen demanding wage hike went on an indefinite hunger strike, affecting services on Western and Central lines. Late last night, Railways indicated it might hold discussions with Maharashtra government on invoking ESMA against the striking motormen if the situation does not improve.
No train is running on Western line from 6.40 pm, railway officials said.
Around 167 and 91 suburban trains were cancelled on Central and Western lines respectively, they said.
'Trains from Churchgate station are not running as motormen have stopped work. Commuters can travel by long distance trains from Mumbai Central as a few coaches have been dedicated for local passengers,' Western Railway PRO C David said on Monday.
The Central Line saw over 40 trains cancelled since morning and commuters were travelling in long-distance trains, railway officials said. Railway officials appealed Mumbaikars to travel by local trains only if it is necessary.
Commuters were held up at different stations and opted for alternative modes to reach home, causing massive traffic jam on Eastern and Western highway besides several other artillery roads.
Alternative arrangements have been made with the help of BEST buses. Commuters can travel in BEST buses which are plying from outside Churchgate station, David said.
Special 28 service trains were run by conventional rake for the commuters on Central line today, Central railway PRO A K Jain said.
'Suburban passengers were also allowed to travel in Mail/Express trains by giving them halts at Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan,' Central Railway PRO A K Jain said.
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