Latest news with #MumbaiMobilityForum
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
After Mumbra accident, state begins work on unified bus network for MMR
MUMBAI: Twelve days after the accident on a crowded local train near Mumbra that killed five passengers and left nine injured, the state government has initiated steps to address one of the root causes: the lack of reliable public transport alternatives. In a bid to reduce pressure on the suburban rail system, a long-pending plan to integrate bus operations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is finally underway. 'At a time when the government is focused on building metro rail lines, there must also be a push to improve bus services,' said AV Shenoy, member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum. 'Integrated and frequent bus services can help ease pressure on suburban trains and serve as effective feeders to metro and railway stations.' (Hindustan Times) For the first time, authorities are mapping and consolidating routes run by various municipal transport undertakings—BEST, Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT), and others—across Greater Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ambernath, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar and Ulhasnagar. A special committee comprising senior officials from these municipal corporations and transport agencies has been formed and held its second meeting on Friday. The committee is tasked with drawing up a unified operational blueprint to streamline services, reduce duplication, improve frequency, and address long passenger wait times—especially on inter-city routes where different undertakings currently operate in silos. Mapping, integration and route optimisation 'We are looking at three crucial aspects,' said SVR Srinivas, general manager of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, which is playing a lead role in the initiative. 'The first is identifying all the bus routes in the MMR that connect Mumbai with neighbouring cities like Navi Mumbai and Thane. This will help prevent duplication and allow us to plan bus schedules in a coordinated manner.' For instance, the BEST-operated AC-700 from Borivali to Thane via Mira Road overlaps with Route 65-AC operated by TMT. Under the unified framework, schedules will be synchronised to minimise wait times and optimise frequency across these overlapping corridors. At present, passengers using intercity buses often wait 45–60 minutes between services, and multiple buses from different undertakings may ply the same route within minutes of each other—highlighting the inefficiencies of the current system. The committee is collecting data on fleet strength, route networks, frequency (headway), and timetables. An integrated route map and master timetable are in the works. One network, shared assets Apart from synchronising bus schedules, the committee is also exploring shared use of infrastructure—such as depots, bus stations (especially near railway terminals), electric charging stations, and CNG refuelling points. There is also a plan to share best practices in maintenance and repair using new technologies. Once a detailed analysis is complete, the committee will recommend fare rationalisation across services to ensure affordability and consistency for passengers travelling across municipal limits. 'In the current scenario, each undertaking plans independently. Our goal is to unify operations so that passengers benefit from a truly regional transport system,' said another senior official involved in the initiative. A necessary shift beyond metro ambitions Transport experts have long argued that while Mumbai's metro expansion grabs headlines, surface transport like buses plays an equally crucial role, especially in last-mile connectivity. 'At a time when the government is focused on building metro rail lines, there must also be a push to improve bus services,' said AV Shenoy, member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum. 'Integrated and frequent bus services can help ease pressure on suburban trains and serve as effective feeders to metro and railway stations.'
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Train tragedy: Travel on Thane-Karjat & Thane-Kasara routes is a crush with 11 lakh people daily; Diva-Mumbra stretch a death trap
MUMBAI: Of the 26 lakh passengers who travel daily on the Central Railway (CR) Main line, nearly 11 lakh travel between Thane and Karjat or Kasara, highlighting the mounting burden on the suburban stretch. Kaustubh Shinde, an HR professional, said the chaos during rush hour was unbelievable on the CR. "I often can't get off at Mulund as bulky commuters with large backpacks block the exit. Not even a mouse could squeeze through. It's frustrating," he said. The CR has ramped up daily services to 894 from 803 in 2014. Nearly 70% of these—182 in the morning and 188 in the evening—run during peak hours. The frequency up to Kalyan has been increased to a train every three minutes. Poll Do you think staggered work timings could help reduce overcrowding in Mumbai trains? Yes, definitely No, it won't help Transport experts say this may not be enough. Ashok Datar of the Mumbai Mobility Forum said the govt must enforce staggered work timings across private and public sectors to ease the pressure. "Even if 40% of office-goers travel at staggered hours, it can bring visible relief. We can consider shifts like 8.30 am–3.30 pm and 11.30 am–7.30 pm, with only 20% employees on the traditional general shift," he said, adding that essential services like hospitals and police should be exempt from this arrangement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs กับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้ | เรียนรู้เพิ่มเติม IC Markets สมัคร Undo Transport expert Vivek Pai said the train incident on Monday was a reminder that urgent structural reforms were needed. "The Thane-Kalyan stretch has the highest commuter density, and unless we address it with more tracks, cheaper AC train options and better frequency, such incidents will keep repeating. Mixed land use and staggered office hours are a necessity, not a luxury," Pai said. Rail Yatri Parishad chairman Subhash Gupta blamed the overcrowding on the gradual phasing out of non-AC trains. "AC locals during peak hours end up increasing crowd build-up for the next non-AC train," he said. "People risk their lives, hanging by the doors. Most commuters from distant suburbs earn modest salaries. A Rs 5,000, the AC season pass is unaffordable for many. With Metro connectivity improving and those systems already air-conditioned, there is no rush to convert all locals into AC ones." Gupta dismissed the idea of automatic door closures on ordinary locals. "It's been discussed for years but isn't practical. Doors take time to open and close and will delay overall services," he said.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Central Railway locals serve 26 lakh passengers daily; 11 lakh on just Thane-Karjat/Kasara stretch
Mumbai: Of the 26 lakh passengers who travel daily on the Central Railway (CR) Main line, nearly 11 lakh travel between Thane and Karjat or Kasara, highlighting the mounting burden on the suburban stretch. Kaustubh Shinde, an HR professional, said the chaos during rush hour was unbelievable on the CR. "I often can't get off at Mulund as bulky commuters with large backpacks block the exit. Not even a mouse could squeeze through. It's frustrating," he said. The CR has ramped up daily services to 894 from 803 in 2014. Nearly 70% of these—182 in the morning and 188 in the evening—run during peak hours. The frequency up to Kalyan has been increased to a train every three minutes. Transport experts say this may not be enough. Ashok Datar of the Mumbai Mobility Forum said the govt must enforce staggered work timings across private and public sectors to ease the pressure. "Even if 40% of office-goers travel at staggered hours, it can bring visible relief. We can consider shifts like 8.30 am–3.30 pm and 11.30 am–7.30 pm, with only 20% employees on the traditional general shift," he said, adding that essential services like hospitals and police should be exempt from this arrangement. Transport expert Vivek Pati said the train incident on Monday was a reminder that urgent structural reforms were needed. "The Thane-Kalyan stretch has the highest commuter density, and unless we address it with more tracks, cheaper AC train options and better frequency, such incidents will keep repeating. Mixed land use and staggered office hours are a necessity, not a luxury," Pati said. Rail Yatri Parishad chairman Subhash Gupta blamed the overcrowding on the gradual phasing out of non-AC trains. "AC locals during peak hours end up increasing crowd build-up for the next non-AC train," he said. "People risk their lives, hanging by the doors. Most commuters from distant suburbs earn modest salaries. A Rs 5,000, the AC season pass is unaffordable for many. With Metro connectivity improving and those systems already air-conditioned, there is no rush to convert all locals into AC ones." Gupta dismissed the idea of automatic door closures on ordinary locals. "It's been discussed for years but isn't practical. Doors take time to open and close and will delay overall services," he said.
