Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 14: Evening rush hour on Mumbai’s Central Railway suburban network descended into chaos on Wednesday after train managers (guards) staged a 30-minute “work-to-rule” protest against a newly introduced safety circular, leading to cancellations, overcrowding and major disruption across key stations.

The agitation affected several major stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Kurla, Ghatkopar and Thane during one of the busiest travel periods of the day.

According to Central Railway officials, services were disrupted between 5.15 pm and 5.45 pm after train managers protested against Correction Slip No. 15, a recently introduced safety protocol that expands their operational responsibilities.

Under the revised rule, train managers are required to play a more active role in preventing trains from overshooting platforms.

As per the new procedure, train managers must issue a single bell signal before a scheduled halt, which the motorman must acknowledge. If the train continues approaching the platform at an unsafe speed, the guard is expected to intervene and apply brakes.

Railway authorities said the revised protocol was introduced as an additional safety measure to reduce incidents of trains overshooting platforms.

However, protesting staff opposed the change, triggering disruption during peak evening hours.

Central Railway confirmed that three suburban local trains were cancelled during the protest.

Passengers across the network reported severe overcrowding and confusion as announcements cited technical issues while commuters struggled to get updates regarding restoration of services.

Ashwini Raje, a commuter, said her regular Kalyan local and a subsequent Thane local were cancelled, resulting in swelling crowds at CSMT.

Another commuter activist, Akshay Mahapadi, described the situation at Mulund station as extremely frustrating, stating that only Thane-bound slow locals were operating while overcrowding made it nearly impossible to board trains.

Central Railway spokespersons later confirmed that discussions were held with the protesting train managers and the agitation was withdrawn after authorities agreed to review the controversial circular.

Officials stated that the rule has now been placed under review following the talks, after which normal train operations resumed.