Local commuters brace for another disappointment

Parmar said the MCCIA had also suggested laying a third track for better connectivity between Pune and Mumbai. “However,the officials said since a large tract of land in Talegaon,Dehu Road and Begdewadi belongs to the Army,the state government should first get the land transferred.”

Shiv Sena MPs Shivajirao Adhalrao-Patil and Gajanan Babar,who have been promising that they would impress upon the Union Railway Minister about the need to increase the frequency of local trains,also did not give a direct reply on Tuesday. While Adhalrao said Babar would be right person to speak on the matter,Babar said he had made an effort to increase the frequency of local trains but was not sure whether this budget would contain the provision. “I had written letters and held meetings with senior railway officials. They have promised to look into the matter. I am not sure whether the subject will feature in this budget.”

Activist Gulam Ali Bhaldar said the commuters in Pune were left with no choice but agitations. “It seems since the railways are not bothered about the convenience of lakhs of commuters in Pune,there is no other option but to stage agitations.”