Mumbai: Students demanding jobs block railway tracks, commuters affected
Lakhs of commuters traveling between Matunga and Dadar stations faced severe difficulties as scores of agitated and protesting students demanded railway recruitment by blocking rail traffic during the peak hours on Tuesday. They blocked the rail track at 7 am in the morning, forcing railway to stop the suburban as well as express train in the affected section between Matunga and CSMT. Here's more.
Police, railway officials having talks with protesting students
Entire four lines are affected between Matunga and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. Police and railway officials are having talks with the students, a Central Railway official said. "There has been no recruitment since last four years. We are struggling from pillars to post. Over 10 students have committed suicide. We cannot let such things happen," said a student who was also protesting.
Won't budge from here unless Railway Minister comes: A protester
A student said that they will not budge unless Railway Minister Piyush Goyal comes and meets them, adding, "Our several prayers made to Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Division have failed." "Mumbai police along with GRP and RPF jawans are having talks with the students, and railway's first priority was to clear the track first," Chief PRO of Central Railway, Sunil Udasi said.
BEST running additional buses to facilitate crowd
Students shouting slogans against railways held placards in their hands demanding one-time settlement from GM quota and said that they demand jobs from government. According to a report, to ensure students move out of the tracks, police are conducting lathi charge. Some students have also been injured, said officials. To facilitate the commuters facing difficulties, BEST is running additional buses.
