24 March,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday urged the railway administration to reconsider its decision to cancel the Dadar-Ratnagiri passenger service and replace it with the Dadar-Gorakhpur Express, warning of intensified protests if the move is not reversed.
A delegation of MNS leaders, led by Nitin Sardesai, met senior railway officials earlier in the day to strongly oppose the decision. The party termed the move detrimental to commuters from the Konkan region, who have long depended on the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger service.
The delegation demanded immediate intervention by the railway authorities, stating that the decision has caused widespread inconvenience to daily and low-income travellers.
Issuing a stern warning, the MNS said it would be compelled to launch an intense agitation if the railway administration fails to roll back the decision.
"The railway administration should immediately reconsider this decision. Otherwise, they will have to face the wrath of Konkan residents," Sardesai said, reiterating the party's stance during the protest.
The controversy stems from Central Railway's decision to convert a "special" train operating between Dadar and Gorakhpur into a permanent express service. The new train has been allotted the same operational slot previously used by the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger train.
The move has sparked a broader socio-political debate, with critics describing it as a Marathi-versus-north Indian issue, further intensifying regional sentiments.
Introduced in the late 1990s, the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger train has been a crucial link between Mumbai and the Konkan region. It has historically served as a lifeline for daily commuters, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Following the recent changes, the service now originates from Diva, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, instead of Dadar - causing inconvenience to passengers who must travel additional distances to board the train.
Central Railway officials have defended the move, stating that the adjustment is necessary to maintain punctuality and efficiency within Mumbai's suburban railway network.
However, the decision has triggered backlash from commuters and political groups alike, with increasing calls for its reconsideration in light of public inconvenience.
With protests intensifying and political pressure mounting, the railway administration now faces demands to restore the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger service or provide an alternative arrangement that safeguards the interests of Konkan commuters.
