Commuters at Diva railway station, a major suburban hub on the Central Railway section, continue to grapple with the issue of overcrowded trains, especially during morning peak hours. To address these persistent grievances, the Diva Railway Passenger Association has launched a membership drive aimed at uniting passengers and strengthening its efforts to advocate for better train services.
Diva station serves as a crucial transit point for residents traveling to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and other destinations. However, trains arriving from Khopoli, Karjat, Badlapur, Ambernath, Kasara, Asangaon, and Titwala are already overcrowded by the time they reach Kalyan and Dombivli, making it challenging for Diva residents to board.
Adding to their woes, many long-distance trains originating from CSMT, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus bypass Diva, forcing passengers to travel to Kalyan or Thane to board them. These issues have led to growing demands for better connectivity and train services at Diva.
To address these challenges, the Diva Railway Passenger Association is advocating for new local train services originating from Diva to ease congestion. Additionally, the association is demanding that major long-distance trains halt at Diva, ensuring greater convenience for local residents.
In a bid to amplify their voices, Adesh Bhagat, President of the Diva Railway Passenger Association and a member of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, initiated a membership drive both online and offline. The campaign aims to unite commuters under one banner to pressurize authorities for better services.
The offline drive concluded on Sunday, successfully enrolling around 1,500 members. Meanwhile, the online drive remains active, allowing passengers to join by giving a missed call to 8420142015. They receive a message with a link to a registration form, making the membership process simple and accessible.
“This initiative simplifies the registration process, encouraging more passengers to join and support our cause,” said a member of the association.
The association members believes that the collective voice of Diva’s commuters will compel authorities to address long-standing grievances and provide much-needed relief to the thousands who rely on the station daily.