Mumbai Rail Roko Agitation Called Off, Train Services Resume

Railway traffic affected from Matunga to CST in Mumbai.

Railway Traffic Affected From Matunga to CST

Scores of agitated students demanding jobs in railways, on Tuesday, 20 March, blocked rail traffic in Mumbai – including suburban services between Matunga and Dadar stations – inconveniencing lakhs of commuters, a Central Railway official said.

Due to some agitation between Matunga and Dadar, rail traffic affected between Matunga and CSMT...

— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 20, 2018

The students blocked the rail track at 7 am, forcing the Railways to stop the suburban as well as express train in the affected section between Matunga and CST.

"There has been no recruitment since the last four years. We are struggling from pillar to post. Over 10 students have committed suicide. We cannot let such things happen," a student, who was part of the protest, told PTI.

#UPDATE #Mumbai: Railway traffic affected as 'rail-roko' agitation by railway job aspirants, continues, between Matunga & Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. pic.twitter.com/BgqdfOXR1G

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018

Agitators Were Lathi-Charged Only After They Pelted Stones: CM

After the rail roko protests were called off, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the police lathi-charged only after the protesters started pelting stones, ANI reported.

Agitation Called Off

The rail roko agitation by students has been called off. Train services have resumed on Central Line.

Train services resume from 1035 hrs between Matunga and CSMT@RidlrMUM @mumbairailusers @m_indicator

— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 20, 2018

The Railway authorities have agreed to meet the agitators in two days and the latter will protest again if their demands are not met.

#WATCH: Railway traffic resumes between Dadar & Matunga, agitating railway job aspirants still present at the spot where they have been protesting, between Matunga & Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/J72KIhc38b

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018

The agitating students called off the rail roko protests in Mumbai on Tuesday, 20 March, after Railway officials brokered peace. However, the students, who are demanding permanent jobs in Railways, said if their demands are not met they will protest again. The agitation affected Mumbai suburban trains between Matunga and CSMT during morning peak hours.

• Students called off their protests after Railway authorities brokered peace.
• The rail roko agitation began at around 7 am between Matunga and Dadar stations.
  
• Suburban and express trains between Matunga and CSMT were halted.
  
• The protestors were demanding removal of 20 percent upper limit in hiring candidates for Railway jobs.

30 Trains Cancelled

The rail roko protests in Mumbai led to cancellation of around 30 trains, India Today reported.