Central Railway has now approved 100 licensed hawkers to sell goods inside Mumbai local trains on the Main and Harbour lines. The decision has sparked safety concerns among daily commuters. Here’s what this is all about and why commuters are against this decision.
100 Hawkers To Sell Goods Inside Mumbai Local Trains
Mumbai local trains are the lifeline of Mumbai. But they also suffer from overcrowding on most days. Now, commuters feel the situation can get worse. According to The Free Press Journal, Central Railway has approved 100 licensed hawkers to operate inside Mumbai suburban trains on the Main and Harbour lines.
The decision aims to regulate illegal vendors, but it has sparked safety concerns among daily commuters. According to them, hawkers inside trains can lead to more overcrowding. As per Lokmat Times, a similar proposal was introduced in 2023 but faced strong opposition from commuter groups. Officials were forced to withdraw it at that time. Now, the proposal has emerged again, and the tender process was completed without consulting passenger associations.
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Vendors To Sell Consumable & Non-Consumable Items
According to Lokmat Times, a private agency has been awarded a three-year contract to operate vending services on suburban trains running between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kalyan, along with those on the Harbour route. Under the contract, a total of 100 authorised vendors will be deployed, with 59 on each corridor.
These vendors will be permitted to sell both consumable and non-consumable items within train compartments. If this plan becomes a reality, Mumbai local trains could become even more overcrowded than they already are. This is why commuters are not happy with the decision and are strongly opposing it once again.
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What do you think of this plan by Central Railway? Do you think hawkers should be allowed inside Mumbai local trains? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Cover Image Courtesy: Mumbai Suburban Railway, Wikipedia/ A.Savin
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What is Mumbai local?
Mumbai local, which is often called the ‘lifeline of Mumbai’, is a suburban rail network connecting different parts of the city.
Why are commuters against hawkers in Mumbai local trains?
Commuters are against hawkers on Mumbai local trains because they fear it will increase overcrowding and create safety issues.
What is the best time to visit Mumbai?
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the months of October-February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.