The Railway Budget for the year 2011-12 drew mixed reactions from Mumbai suburban commuters today.
To enhance the capacity of suburban services in Mumbai, Union Railway Minster Mamata Banerjee announced 47 additional services on Thane-Vashi, Thane-Panvel, Borivali-Virar, Andheri-Virar, Bandra-Virar and Churchgate-Borivali sections in the budget.
Banerjee also proposed to augment 107 suburban services in Mumbai, by converting nine-coach EMUs in to 12 coach EMUs.
Besides, no hike in fare she has also proposed building shelters for those living by railway tracks under Sukhi Griha Scheme. Pilot phase of the scheme will be implemented in Mumbai too.
Welcoming these provisions, commuters expressed happiness about the unchanged fares and introduction of new trains.
"New trains and conversion of nine-coach trains into 12-coach ones will reduce congestion. People were feeling the pinch of rising prices, it is a good thing that there is no hike in fares," Sayed Hakeem Sheikh, a commuter said.
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Another commuter, Pramod Singh, said, "As dwellers along the tracks will be shifted, the number of casualties in track-mishaps will come down. Increase in frequency of long distance trains, concessions for physically handicapped and senior citizens are also positive things."
However, some were unhappy with regard to passenger safety. It was felt that instead of promising new trains and converting nine coach trains into 12-coach, Railways should increase the speed of existing trains and focus more on 15-coach trains.
"Most working women travel by trains. There have been cases of men constables molesting women commuters. There is need for more women police officials. Security is still a major issue. Adequate number of security personnel should be deployed at all stations," Jyoti Mehek, working with a research analyst firm, said.
"Instead of increasing train services, the railway lines should be increased. Focus should be on 15-coach services. There is need for additional ladies special trains, separate compartment for senior citizens and students," Bharti Sawai, another lady commuter, said.
"It is disheartening to see that Mumbai, which contributes maximum to the country's growth, is treated in a biased way. The trains running in Delhi and West Bengal offer better services while Mumbai seems to lag behind. This is just to woo voters before elections," P J Yadav, who runs a juice stall in south Mumbai, said.