Mumbai: The suspension of the Dadar-Ratnagiri passenger service has left many commuters feeling stranded as their journey to the Konkan region becomes increasingly arduous. Originally initiated to provide a comfortable travel option for the Konkan residents of Mumbai and its suburbs, this essential service has not operated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced in the 1996-97 period from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, the Dadar-Ratnagiri passenger service quickly became a lifeline for many, allowing travelers to set off in the morning and return home in the evening. However, efforts to streamline operations led to a significant change in September 2021, when the train service was shifted to operate from Diva station instead of Dadar.
This decision has proven challenging for many passengers from South Mumbai, Central Mumbai, and the western suburbs, who now face difficulty in accessing Diva station. While the Central Railway aimed to improve punctuality with the zero-based schedule of 2020, the adjustments have not met expectations. The Diva-Ratnagiri train has experienced cancellations of critical stops at nine stations, including Dativali and Kalamboli, while still failing to adhere to its revised schedule. The decision has drawn the ire of many commuters, particularly those who rely on the train to travel to and from their villages in Ratnagiri and Raigad districts.
Furthermore, despite public representatives advocating for the reinstatement of the Dadar service, the railway administration has prioritized special trains headed to Gorakhpur and Ballia, leaving local passengers in a lurch. The Konkan Development Committee has emphasized that the Ratnagiri Passenger and Sawantwadi Diva Express trains are unique in their service, catering to a demographic that requires consistent stops at numerous stations. Akshay Mahapadi, a member of the Konkan Development Committee, has called for urgent action, urging the railway authorities to resume service from Dadar or CSMT to alleviate the ongoing plight of commuters. Until a solution is found, many passengers will continue to face the challenges of inadequate transportation options, highlighting the need for better connectivity for the Konkan community in Mumbai.