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Five-hour rail blockade near Bombay

Our correspondent in Bombay

Residents of Mira road, near Bombay, stopped rail traffic Friday morning for more than five hours, as they have not been getting municipal water.

The blockade had led to the suspension of Western Railway suburban services between Borivali and Virar and cancellation of some outstation trains. A railway spokesman said that wooden sleepers had been placed across the tracks.

The Bombay-bound Karnavati Express was terminated at Vasai railway station, Sayaji Express at Virar, Bikaner-Bandra Express at Palghar, Paschim Express at Karamboli and Gandhian Express at Bhayander. According to the railway spokesperson, the Paschim Express and Ahmedabad Passenger were also stranded.

Earlier, a Thane police spokesperson said, "The situation is under control. The superintendent of police is at the spot."

Thousands of commuters were left stranded following the blockade. Many commuters had to jump down from the trains, which stopped in between railway stations, either to return home or try other modes of transport to reach their destinations.

The commuters complained that the railway authorities had not bothered to warn those beyond Borivali about the blockade till Friday afternoon.

Last year, too, residents of Mira Road and Bhayander had disrupted rail traffic as there was no water supply.

Many shopkeepers joined in the protest and downed shutters.

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