Mumbai, May 04: Train services on Central and Western lines were badly affected as motormen, demanding wage hike, went on an indefinite hunger strike today, causing lot of inconvenience to commuters in the evening rush hour.
No train is running on Western line from 6.40 pm, railway officials said.
“Trains from Churchgate station are not running as motormen have stopped work. Commuters can travel by long distance trains from Mumbai Central as a few coaches have been dedicated for local passengers,” Western Railway PRO C David said here.
Alternative arrangements have been made with the help of BEST buses. Commuters can travel in BEST buses which are plying from outside Churchgate station, David said.
Central line saw over 40 trains cancelled since morning and commuters were travelling in long-distance trains, railway officials said.
“Trains on Central line are running late by 10-15 minutes. Central Railways are running 20 special services by using conventional trains with electric or diesel locomotives and also 4 EMU rakes with electric locomotives,” Central Railway PRO A K Jain said.
“Suburban passengers were also allowed to travel in Mail/Express trains by giving them halts at Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan,” Jain said.
Motormen of Central and Western Railways have been demanding rise in pay scales and allowance.
Throughout the day, 18 Motormen reported sick, out of which 15 were declared fit and discharged from the hospital, he added.
Railway officials said the State Government has provided full support by running special buses from important stations for the convenience of passengers and bandobast at stations.
—PTI