Slum dwellers protest against decision to ban illegal entry point at Wadala railway station | Bombay News

MUMBAI: Slum dwellers on Wednesday came to the Wadala railway track to stop Central Railway (CR) from blocking a 3-4 feet wide ditch/track which is being used as an entry point to illegally enter railway premises to get to the station. Sources said the problem escalated around 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. after which 50-60 railway and city police personnel chased them out of the railway premises.

On Wednesday, CR authorities sent their personnel to Raoli junction in Wadala to identify illegal entry and exit points into the railway premises. Around 10 a.m., they began examining the breach before beginning to build a difficult-to-cross concrete wall. Soon, slum dwellers, gathered outside on the road, began protesting against the plan to block this entry point, on the grounds that it is their closest access to the station.

“There was a time when these people would come onto the tracks and even stop a train. We had to use force and remove them from the railway premises. Even local politicians understood the problem and resolved it,” said a railway official.

According to railway officials, more than 1,500 to 2,000 people use this path to reach the station every day, despite a bridge about 300 meters away.

“We have sealed almost 50 illegal entry points across the division. The one in Wadala is also used for trespassing, and at least six people have lost their lives in recent months. By bridging the gap, we are trying to save lives,” said Rajnish Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager (Mumbai), Central Railway.

After calming the crowd, the authorities left at 3 p.m. without carrying out any work. “Local residents have demanded a foot bridge at the site. I informed the railway authorities to build one as it would facilitate the movement of people. The existing FOB does not cover the entire rail corridor as it does not pass over the tracks on which freight trains run. I understand that crossing railway tracks is life-threatening, but railways should also improve accessibility,” said MLA Captain Tamil Selvan of Sion-Koliwada Assembly.

According to data provided by the railway police, 137 people died while crossing the tracks under the jurisdiction of the Wadala railway police over a period of 32 months. This year, between January and August, 32 lives were lost under the police station which largely covers Wadala, Chunabhatti, Kings Circle, Mankhurd, Govandi, Chembur railway stations, etc. on the Central Railway. In 2022, there were 36 deaths, compared to 69 in 2023. Sources said railway authorities would visit the site soon to ensure the illegal access was permanently closed.