In a surprising incident, commuters on both Western and Central line have complained that the number of hawkers on local trains have increased multiple folds. Even before the lockdown, hawkers (both male and female) would get on the trains to sell scarves, handkerchiefs and other knickknacks
Local Trains are termed the lifeline of Mumbai had to be shut down to contain the spread of coronavirus. The operations were re-started in June and only people engaged in essential services were allowed to travel via local trains. Now with things getting normal, more categories are being allowed to travel via local trains. However, it is being done in a staggered manner to avoid over-crowding.
Recently a decision was taken to allow female passengers to board local trains and soon after that hawker too were seen travelling in the coaches. Passengers associations have raised a complaint regarding this to the authorities and also shared videos and pictures on social media as well.
According to reports, more than 10 hawkers were arrested by Central Railway Security Force in the last four days after receiving complaints. The RPF has formed a team of nine women security personnel after receiving this information that hawkers were entering female passenger coach. This team will keep an eye out for these hawkers on the Kalyan to Dadar route after 11 am.
While the issue of hawkers is being addressed, one big question that remains on the mind of people in Mumbai is that when will the general public be allowed to commute via the local trains again.
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