THANE: The ambitious plan of the Central Railway to introduce licensed hawkers aboard suburban and outstation trains in the Mumbai division has met with stiff opposition from passengers and activists who have written to the administration seeking a rollback.It may be recalled that the Central Railways has invited parties to participate in an auction for vending wares in select mail express, passenger trains and suburban trains including AC rakes, Matheran Heritage train for three years.Officials said the idea is being introduced in the CR Mumbai division for the first time.Collectively around 2000 licensed hawkers would be seen peddling wares including travel related products, mobile / laptop accessories, stationery, newspapers/ magazines/ books and even Packed snacks, juices and even pre-cut and peeled raw vegetables, fruits among others. Interested bidders can participate in the e-auction that is scheduled to open on November 28 independently for suburban and non-suburban trains. Further details are available on www.ireps.gov.in, officials said.Nandkumar Deshmukh, a railway activist from Thane questioned why the administration was forgetting its primary role of operating adequate local trains before introducing such initiatives. There is already inadequate space for commuters in coaches to travel and in such condition how will these hawkers enter such coaches, he asked, demanding the plans be held back and priority be given to basic facilities to commuters first.When contacted, a senior railway official said the agencies operating the system will be responsible for vending their wares or boarding any coach as per their convenience. These hawkers will be provided with identity cards to travel in the designated trains but will not be allowed to store their wares anywhere on railway premises. Emphasis will be on passenger convenience.We also published the following articles recentlySouth East Central Railway abruptly cancels and reinstates dozens of trains, passengers in disarraySECR abruptly cancels dozens of trains due to ongoing maintenance work, leaving passengers stranded and confused. The decision was later reversed after three hours, causing further inconvenience. Lack of timely communication and sudden reversals raise questions about railways reliability and transparency.Central Railway train services to be disrupted due to maintenance block on SundayCentral Railway train services affected due to maintenance work on Sunday. Train services on main line and Harbour line will be diverted and re-diverted. Special local trains will run on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai Vashi section. Trans-harbour line services available between Thane-Vashi/Nerul stations. Port line services available between Belapur/Nerul and Kharkopar stations.Railway to kick start direct express train between Mau to MumbaiThe union railway ministry has approved a direct express train between Mau Junction and Mumbai. The train will be virtually inaugurated by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on November 22. This train will provide a direct connection between Mau Junction and Mumbai, fulfilling a long-standing demand. It will operate on a weekly basis, departing from Mau Junction on Saturday at 10:15 pm and reaching Mumbai on Monday morning at 3:34 am. The return journey will depart from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus on Monday at 11:15 am and arrive at Mau Junction on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.

Stay updated with all the Latest Thane headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.