Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde today demanded that a special session of the state legislature be convened to discuss the problems faced by commuters of suburban railway services.
Munde in a letter written to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao stated in a stampede at a foot overbridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban stations on September 29, 23 people were killed.
The overbridge had become overcrowded with people taking shelter from a heavy downpour, mentioned Munde in the letter.
Munde stated that around one crore people use the suburban rail services everyday.
"The Western, Central and Harbour railway lines have several problems. The main problems include extending railway platforms, increasing the basic facilities being provided to commuters, increasing the frequencies of trains and providing safety to commuters, especially women," Munde stated.
He added that around 8-10 people lose their lives everyday due to the multifold increase in commuter traffic.
Munde further stated that commuters have to risk their lives everyday as there is no response from either the Centre or the rail administration to people's complaints.
"It is our Constitutional obligation to make sure that people travel safe. If we sit idle, we will be shirking off our responsibility. Waiting for the Centre and railway to respond to people's demands would mean betraying the trust of 11 crore people of Maharashtra," he stated.
"Therefore, a special session of the state Legislature should be convened within 15 days to discuss the problems plaguing suburban rail services and other issues of the city as well," Munde stated.
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