Commuter groups have opposed Central Railway’s decision to allow licensed hawkers in local trains between CSMT and Kalyan, citing safety and overcrowding concerns. A letter has been sent to Devendra Fadnavis demanding rollback of the move
An unlicensed hawker inside a suburban local train. File pic
A decision by Central Railway to allow licensed hawkers inside suburban local trains for the next three years has triggered strong opposition from commuter groups, who warn that the move could worsen overcrowding and compromise passenger safety during peak hours.
Railway authorities have approved the entry of authorised vendors in trains running between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kalyan, stating that the measure aims to curb illegal hawking. However, passenger associations have criticised the decision, calling it ill-timed and unsafe.
With CR refusing to roll back the move, commuter bodies have written to CM Devendra Fadnavis seeking urgent intervention. As per the deal, 46 hawkers have been short-listed.
A licensed hawker inside a local train. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Major concern: No clarity on timings
Passenger groups have raised concerns that the contract does not clearly specify operating hours for vendors.
The absence of defined timings has led to fears that hawkers may operate during both peak and non-peak hours, potentially adding to congestion in already overcrowded trains.
Official speak
“The licensed hawkers will not only fetch revenue to the railways but also discourage illegal hawkers, forcing commuters to buy from them. They have been permitted to be in local trains for three years and sell as per MRP. It will have better quality control over the products,” a CR spokesperson said.
Letter to chief minister
The Suburban Railway Passengers’ Federation has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding cancellation of the decision.
“We have requested the chief minister to take serious note of this order, which permits hawkers and poses a risk to passenger safety. Passenger safety must be prioritised and the decision withdrawn,” Argade said.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to Members of Parliament Shrikant Shinde, Narendra Mhaske, Suresh Mhatre (Balyamama), and Sanjay Patil.
Passenger groups have opposed move
Lata Argade, president of the Suburban Railway Passengers’ Federation, said a similar proposal in 2023 had been withdrawn following strong opposition.
An unlicensed hawker selling goods inside a suburban local train. File pic
“Earlier, in 2023, the then senior DCM of the railway administration had initiated a process to allow hawkers in suburban trains. This move was opposed by passenger associations and public representatives, following which the proposal was withdrawn,” she said.
She alleged that the current decision was taken without consulting passenger bodies or the railway committee members.
“Permission has now been granted to hawkers to sell goods in suburban trains from Kalyan to CSMT without taking stakeholders into confidence. This will only worsen the problems faced by passengers who already risk their lives travelling in overcrowded trains,” Argade said.
“It appears that revenue is more important to the railway administration than passenger safety. Officials should experience peak-hour travel themselves before making such decisions,” she added.
Commuters voice concern
Sagar Tipnis, commuter
‘Basically, hawkers in trains have always been there. It seems railway authorities have realised that removing them completely is not possible, so they might as well formalise it and generate revenue’
Khurshed Lawyer, commuter
‘They will push and shove while, especially during peak hours. We already see unlicensed hawkers selling food and water in trains. This decision will make locals more crowded, unhygienic and chaotic’
Hawker contract details
Route: CSMT to Kalyan suburban section
Contract period
December 22, 2025, to December 21, 2028
Auction date: September 23, 2025
Annual licence fee Rs 44,01,000
Total contract value: Rs 1,32,03,000
Scope: Sale of consumable and non-consumable items in all classes
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