Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray expressed deep condolences for the lives lost in the recent Mumbra train accident in Thane, which claimed at least four lives. He criticized the Mahayuti-led state government for prioritizing electoral politics over pressing issues that the public faces.
The incident was termed by Thackeray as tragic at a press conference on Monday, saying similar accidents occur often in the city of Mumbai and people get injured. “The unfortunate train accident today has brought into question a larger issue. The passengers sustain injuries daily but little is being done regarding their safety,” he said.
Thackeray emphasized the state’s fixation on elections, questioning the relevance of political alliances compared to the real challenges of transportation and living conditions in Mumbai. “While discussions about potential alliances between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray dominate headlines, the pressing concern should be the state of travel in Mumbai and the quality of life for its residents,” he remarked.
He further criticized both current and past state governments for neglecting the longstanding demand for a separate governing corporation for Mumbai Railways. “For years, the call for a dedicated corporation for Mumbai’s rail services has been ignored. The city’s planning has deteriorated significantly, leading to overwhelming crowds and inadequate infrastructure. While new roads, bridges, and metro systems are being constructed, there is a glaring lack of planning for essential services like parking,” he added.
Thackeray emphasized the drastic traffic problems many cities are facing, claiming that the construction of new roads and metro lines is not enough. “No government appears to take into account the consequences of urban planning or population influx from outside the city,” he said.
He expressed shock at the crowds at railway stations and questioned the effectiveness of political leaders who travel abroad. “Having used Mumbai’s trains extensively, the current situation is alarming. Do our leaders learn anything from their international trips? If a similar incident occurred abroad, the response would be vastly different. Here, human life appears to hold little value,” he said.
Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, holding him accountable for the recent fatalities. “The Rail Minister has become a mere figurehead. Numerous train accidents have occurred over the past few years, yet no one has taken responsibility. This falls squarely on the railway department and the minister, who has faced calls for resignation from the public,” he stated.
The Mumbra train accident involved multiple passengers falling from an overcrowded train at Mumbra railway station while en route to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The incident disrupted local train services, with overcrowding suspected as the primary cause.
In the backdrop, discussions continue between estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray regarding a potential alliance as the Election Commission prepares to announce upcoming elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
