Kharghar Resident Demands Transport Upgrade

A resident of Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, has written to multiple government agencies to highlight the persistent public transport and traffic management issues outside Kharghar railway station. The resident, Seema Tank, has urged immediate intervention to improve commuter safety and ease congestion.

The issues were brought to the attention of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), the Maharashtra Transport Department, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police, and the Panvel City Police.

Kharghar railway station is one of the busiest in Navi Mumbai, catering to thousands of office-goers, students, senior citizens, women, children, and persons with disabilities. However, the supporting transport infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the growing commuter footfall.

One of the key demands made by Tank is the construction of a permanent, fully covered bus shelter. The existing bus stop offers little protection from heavy rain, extreme heat, or strong winds, forcing commuters to wait in the open during the monsoon. The proposed shelter should include adequate seating, lighting, and proper drainage facilities.

Tank also pointed to inadequate bus services, stating that the current frequency of NMMT buses is insufficient, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. The shortage leads to overcrowding, long waiting times, and increased dependence on auto-rickshaws and private vehicles.

The letter further alleged widespread irregularities by auto-rickshaw drivers operating outside the station, including refusal to ply by meter, overcharging passengers, operating without proper uniforms or identification, and illegal parking that obstructs traffic movement.

The representation has sought the construction of a permanent enclosed bus shelter, increased NMMT bus frequency during both peak and non-peak hours, regular joint inspections by the RTO, Traffic Police, CIDCO, and Panvel Police, and strict action against auto-rickshaw drivers violating transport regulations.

Other suggestions include creating designated pick-up and drop-off zones to streamline traffic, installing CCTV cameras, and prominently displaying authorised fare charts and public helpline numbers.

The resident has called for joint action from the concerned departments, stating that public transport is an essential service. The issues highlighted by Tank are not new and have been a concern for commuters in the area for a long time.

The city's rapid growth and increasing population have put a strain on the transport infrastructure, and it is essential that the government agencies take immediate action to address these issues.

The construction of a permanent bus shelter and increased bus frequency will go a long way in improving commuter safety and easing congestion.

Regular joint inspections and strict action against auto-rickshaw drivers violating transport regulations will also help to reduce traffic chaos and ensure a smoother commute for thousands of daily passengers.

In conclusion, the issues highlighted by the Kharghar resident are a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the government agencies. It is essential that they take joint action to improve transport and traffic management outside Kharghar railway station to ensure a safe and convenient commute for thousands of daily passengers.