Konkan-Bound Express Trains Discontinued Amid Opposition
The discontinuation of key Konkan-bound express train services has sparked considerable concern among passengers, particularly in Maharashtra’s Konkan region. The Diva-Ratnagiri and Diva-Dadar routes have been closed, with capacity constraints being cited as the primary reason for the shutdown. Despite these closures, the Central Railway has introduced special trains on these routes, including the Dadar-Gorakhpur and Dadar-Balia services, which are now part of the new permanent timetable effective from 1st January.
The decision has met with strong resistance from the Konkan Railway Passenger Association, with Secretary Akshay Mhapadi criticising the rerouting of trains serving the Konkan and Mumbai regions to other destinations outside Maharashtra. He pointed out that the Ratnagiri-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus passenger train, operational since 1996, was discontinued in September 2021, during the pandemic, under the pretext of route capacity constraints. This move has left passengers frustrated, as the new train schedules fail to address the significant demand in the region. The issue is compounded by the introduction of a Diva-Ratnagiri passenger train under the zero-based timetable. Although the service exists, it continues to face serious timing issues, leading to delays that worsen passenger experiences. Adding to the inconvenience, the Diva station lacks essential facilities like water refill points, exacerbating the passengers’ discomfort. The recent decision to start operations from Diva instead of Dadar has only added to the delays instead of streamlining the process.
Several other train services, such as the Mumbai-Kolhapur Sahyadri Express, Bhusawal-Mumbai Passenger, Pune-Karjat-Panvel Passenger, and Manmad-Mumbai Godavari Express, have also been discontinued as part of the new zero-based schedule. These cuts have led to even more passenger dissatisfaction, as residents of Maharashtra and Konkan are left without adequate transport options. Mhapadi has called for a reversal of these changes, urging the railway administration to reinstate the discontinued services while maintaining the balance for new innovations. He has stressed the importance of addressing existing transportation shortages in the region rather than disrupting services that have long catered to local commuters. As the backlash grows, the railway authorities must carefully consider the impact of these changes and work to ensure that the needs of Maharashtra’s passengers are met without compromising efficiency or service quality.
