Central Railway’s unannounced Kasara block leaves thousands stranded in heat

Express and local trains remain stranded on the Kasara route. Pic/Special Arrangement

Thousands of commuters faced severe hardship in the blazing heat after Central Railway (CR) abruptly suspended train services towards Kasara for nearly three hours on the afternoon of May 8.

According to passenger groups, a planned mega block had already been undertaken at Kasara station on Thursday between 3.50 pm and 5.50 pm after prior intimation by the Railways. This marks the second consecutive day of disruptions on the section, leading passenger associations to demand a high-level inquiry into what they term a "gross violation of passengers' rights."

Sudden suspension

The abrupt block was imposed between 3.50 pm and 5.50 pm, but services remained affected beyond the scheduled duration without any communication from the railway authorities.

Stranded passengers walk along tracks near Asangaon amid the sudden rail block. Pic/By Special arrangement

Suburban local trains were short-terminated at Asangaon without warning, while several express trains were detained at stations such as Khardi, where commuters struggled with minimal amenities in the scorching afternoon sun.

Rights violated

"The administration's irresponsible behavior has caused immense hardship for two days. If a block is planned, it is obligatory to inform passengers; failing to do so is a clear violation of their basic rights. Imposing one without notice is playing with people's lives," said Rajesh Ghanghav, president of the Kalyan Kasara Karjat (K3) Railway Passengers Association.

Commuters search for alternative transport after services were abruptly suspended. Pic/By Special arrangement

Stranded commuters, including senior citizens and students, were forced to pay exorbitant fares to private vehicles or walk long distances as no alternative transport was provided.

Careless construction

The disruptions are linked to the construction of a new 13.53-km third line between Kasara and Khardi, aimed at segregating suburban and mail/express traffic. However, passenger groups allege CR is executing the work without taking commuters into confidence. They have demanded the suspension of officials responsible for the unannounced block and a mandatory 72-hour prior notice for all future planned works. The groups further demanded free ST bus services between Asangaon and Kasara during emergency blocks.

Official speak

Central Railway officials said they would be careful next time and avoid such abrupt cancellations. Certain works are taken up for emergency and other measures for improvement of the services.