KDMT Staff Absorption Drive Gains Momentum in Kalyan

Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT) employees' demand for absorption into the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has gained momentum. On August 12, 2026, the civic administration indicated a positive approach towards the issue, leading to the postponement of a proposed one-day token hunger strike scheduled for August 13.

The Mahangarpalika Kamgar Karmachari Sangh, a union representing KDMT employees, had demanded direct absorption into the municipal corporation before the transport undertaking's services are merged with KMPML. Following discussions with KDMT Transport Manager Dr Vijay Kumar Dwase, the union decided to temporarily postpone its agitation.

During a meeting on August 10, the transport manager outlined the administration's position on service benefits and the future status of employees. Employees would be entitled to service-death gratuity under provisions applicable from 1982. Civil service rules would apply to the employees, while salaries, allowances, gratuity, provident fund, leave encashment, and pensions of retired employees would be provided through municipal grants.

The administration also clarified that responsibility for KDMT employees would continue to rest with the civic body. A further meeting with the Municipal Commissioner is expected to be held soon to discuss the proposal for absorbing KDMT employees into KDMC. The union was provided with a written copy of the decisions and assurances discussed during the meeting.

Union president Mahesh Patil and working president Anil Pandit stated that the organisation remains committed to securing the rights of KDMT employees. They decided to postpone the agitation in view of the administration's assurance but warned that the union would intensify its agitation if the demand for absorption is not addressed within the expected timeframe.

The development comes at a time when the future structure of KDMT services is being discussed in connection with their proposed merger with KMPML. The employees' organisations are seeking clarity on their service status and benefits before the merger process moves ahead.

The KDMC's decision to absorb KDMT employees is expected to provide relief to the employees who were uncertain about their future. The union's decision to postpone the hunger strike is a positive step towards resolving the issue. However, the union's warning to intensify the agitation if the demand is not met suggests that the issue is still ongoing.

The KDMT employees' demand for absorption into KDMC is not an isolated issue. It is part of a larger discussion about the future of public transport in Kalyan-Dombivli. The proposed merger of KDMT services with KMPML has raised concerns among employees and commuters alike. The KDMC's decision to absorb KDMT employees is a step towards addressing these concerns and providing clarity on the future of public transport in the region.

In conclusion, the KDMT staff absorption drive has gained momentum in Kalyan, with the civic administration indicating a positive approach towards the issue. The union's decision to postpone the hunger strike is a positive step towards resolving the issue. However, the issue is still ongoing, and the union's warning to intensify the agitation if the demand is not met suggests that there is still much work to be done to address the concerns of KDMT employees.

The absorption of KDMT employees into KDMC is significant for Mumbai, as it sets a precedent for the treatment of public transport employees in the region. The decision is also expected to have implications for the future of public transport in Kalyan-Dombivli, with the proposed merger of KDMT services with KMPML still ongoing. As the issue continues to unfold, it is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of KDMT employees and commuters in the region.