Mira Road: Thane MP Naresh Mhaske conducted a surprise inspection of Mira Road and Bhayandar railway stations to get a first-hand understanding of passenger grievances and assess ongoing infrastructure work.

Displeased with incomplete projects and unhygienic conditions, Mhaske called Western Railway's divisional railway manager Pankaj Singh directly on phone and sternly reprimanded the railway officials over the delay and disorder in several passenger-centric projects.

“There is absolutely no excuse for passengers to suffer due to official negligence. I’ve been following up on these issues for the past three months and now, as an elected representative, I will ensure accountability and speed in every pending project,” Mhaske said.

Accompanied by senior Shiv Sena leaders, including Mira-Bhayandar assembly chief Vikram Pratap Singh, district chief Raju Bhoir, North Indian district president Vidyashankar Chaturvedi, Rajasthan wing president Kapil Parmar, and several civic representatives, Mhaske first visited Bhayandar station. He reviewed the extension of platforms to accommodate long-distance trains and ordered officials to expedite the work.

Vikram Pratap Singh raised the long-pending demand for halts of key trains, including the Vande Bharat service to Jaunpur and trains bound for Rajasthan. In response, Mhaske assured, “There is positive progress on these requests. We are actively working with railway authorities to make these halts a reality.”

Highlighting issues related to passenger convenience, Mhaske instructed that escalator and lift installations be completed within 10 days. He was visibly angry upon witnessing the filthy condition of the public toilets at Bhayandar and did not hold back in expressing his frustration.

“People deserve dignity and cleanliness. If the railway administration cannot provide this, they will be held answerable,” he said, after his tele-con with the DRM.

Later, he boarded a local train to Mira Road, where he inspected the entire station premises. Unlike Bhayandar, the clean condition of the public restrooms at Mira Road impressed him, and he publicly honoured Station Master Naresh Prasad for maintaining high standards of hygiene.

“This is the kind of accountability and care we expect across all stations. Mira Road has set a good example,” Mhaske remarked.

Mhaske concluded by reaffirming his commitment to addressing the concerns of local rail commuters: “Mira-Bhayandar’s passengers should not face any inconvenience. Their issues will be resolved without delay.”