CR moves to take over CIDCO-run Navi Mumbai stations after years of neglect

Badly maintained Navi Mumbai railway stations. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Following mounting complaints over the poor condition of Navi Mumbai railway stations maintained by CIDCO, the Central Railway on Friday sought complete handover of all stations under the civic body, along with their revenue models, promising full maintenance and upkeep. The proposal was discussed at a meeting on Friday, with officials indicating the transfer could be completed within six months.

Spokes person Speak

‘We will take complete responsibility, but CIDCO needs to vacate and hand over the entire premise to us. It cannot be that railways maintain the station, and the revenue is taken by CIDCO. The Navi Mumbai stations are getting revenue only because of the presence of the railways. The real estate value of the place has only gone up because of the presence of railways. CIDCO also takes a surcharge from railway passengers'
A railway spokesperson

Years of the blame game

Passengers have faced hardship for years due to poor coordination between CIDCO and the railway administration, with both agencies allegedly shifting responsibility over station maintenance and repairs.

"After positive discussions in this meeting, the railway administration has agreed to accept the transfer of all the stations under CIDCO jurisdiction to the Railways, carry out pre-monsoon works, and carry out daily works in the next six months," Mhaske said.

Routes proposed for transfer

>> Mankhurd-Belapur
>> Thane-Turbhe-Vashi-Nerul
>> Nerul-Uran

"Sitting at a discussion table, a deal was struck today after 20 years," Mhaske said. He added that upcoming infrastructure projects - including the Navi Mumbai International Airport, highway expansion and the upcoming New Mumbai project - would increase pressure on the railway network.

What commuters may get

>> Immediate maintenance and repair works
>> Pre-monsoon works
>> Renovation under the Amrit Bharat scheme
>> Reopening of closed ticket windows
>> New subways and foot over bridges

At a glance

What triggered the move
>> Years of commuter complaints
>> Poor station maintenance
>> Lack of coordination between CIDCO and the railways
>> Expired maintenance contracts

What railways want
>> Full station handover
>> Revenue rights
>> Complete maintenance control

Timeline
>> Handover expected within six months

Stations identified for infrastructure works

>> Rabale
>> Digha
>> Airoli

Contracts expired years ago

Thane MP Naresh Mhaske said maintenance contracts on key stretches expired decades ago and were never renewed.

Section Contract Status
Vashi-Belapur Expired in 2003
Kharghar-
Khandeshwar Expired in 2008

Stations with no maintenance contracts to date

>> Airoli
>> Rabale
>> Ghansoli
>> Koparkhairane
>> Turbhe
>> Bamandongri
>> Kharkopar
>> Kharghar

"What is shocking is that not a single maintenance contract has been signed for Airoli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Bamandongri, Kharkopar and Kharghar stations till date," Mhaske said.