CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE: CR COMMUTERS

On behalf of the 38 lakh hapless daily commuters who rely on Central Railways (CR) suburban services in Mumbai.

The Free Press Journal, one of the oldest newspapers in the city would like to draw attention to the step-motherly treatment meted out to CR suburban passengers.

Despite CR being one of the busiest rail networks in the country, service disruptions are the norm for its commuters, year after year, and especially in the rains. After a longish dry spell, déjà vu was the feeling that assailed the senses on Wednesday night when lakhs of commuters were stranded and subjected to unspeakable hardships.

This gross neglect starkly contrasts with the more reliable services offered by Western Railway (WR), raising concerns about the operational priorities and resource allocation within CR.

The persistent issues of overcrowding, delays and the inadequate response to disruptions suggest a need for urgent reforms. It is crucial that authorities recognise the importance of enhancing infrastructure, improving maintenance and ensuring effective communication to restore faith in the CR system. Commuters deserve a reliable and efficient transport network that meets their daily needs.

On Wednesday night, once again Central Railway (CR) services were disrupted, particularly affecting routes between Vidyavihar and Thane on the Main Line, and Govandi and Mankhurd on the Harbour Line, causing immense trauma to already stressed commuters returning home from work.

In stark contrast, Western Railway (WR) services continued to operate. How can there be such a significant disparity in service quality in the same city? Such disparity suggests systemic issues within CR that need addressing.