MUMBAI: The vast number of commuters of the local trains here have not taken kindly to the “negligence” by Sadananda Gowda in addressing their needs. Even though it was widely expected that new services and better amenities would be announced, the Rail Budget only contained a proposal for the introduction of 864 additional electric multiple units (EMU) in two years.
“We had expected a concrete solution to the issues related to ordinary commuters. Gowda has made some good provisions for the rest of Maharashtra but his negligence towards the city’s suburan railway is disappointing,” said Sadanand Pavgi, secretary of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.
Also, the demand for raising the height of 75 platforms and steps to upgrade the rail network, besides sanctioning new services did not find a mention in the Budget. Gowda also skirted the issue of removing the slums, which are located on railway land, abutting the tracks.