In a significant step to reduce the ever-increasing pressure on Mumbai’s local trains, the Maharashtra government has decided to give its staff the option to report to work half an hour later than usual. This measure aims to ease peak hour crowding and provide some relief to thousands of daily commuters battling jam-packed coaches. The information was shared by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik during a session in the State Assembly. He explained that the plan will allow employees in government offices to adjust their work timings, ensuring that they don’t add to the morning and evening rush on Mumbai’s suburban railway network.
Sarnaik made it clear that this half-hour relaxation will be compensated by extending work hours later in the day, so that the total working time remains unchanged. He also mentioned that a ‘task force’ will soon be formed to study and implement similar adjustments for private sector employees. The move comes in the wake of rising concerns about railway accidents and overcrowding. The issue was raised in the Assembly by MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, who highlighted the increasing number of mishaps on Mumbai’s busy rail routes. In his reply, Sarnaik did not shy away from admitting that overcrowding remains a huge challenge for the city’s lifeline.
The Minister stated that more efforts are underway to encourage people to use alternative modes of transport such as Metro trains and other public transport options. He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring safe travel for all commuters. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is also expected to hold a meeting soon to address the rising number of cases where passengers risk their lives by boarding overcrowded trains with doors left open.
Apart from tweaking work hours, the government is exploring the use of water transport and port taxis to provide people with additional choices for daily travel. The aim is to make the city’s transport system more efficient and safer for everyone.
Sarnaik added that these changes are not temporary fixes but part of a larger plan to handle Mumbai’s travel challenges in a sustainable way. While shifting office timings may seem like a small change, for lakhs of commuters, it might just bring some much-needed breathing space during their daily grind.
Source: News18
