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Vashi2panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: May 16: ‘Local trains are the lifeline of Mumbai’. But what if it doesn’t run for a day? The ‘Sunday commuters’ often face this problem when the trains refuse to ply owing to a mega block. So, how is the problem dealt with? Many commuters feel that there is no such need for a megablock as the condition of the train never seem to improve. Commuters shared their bit of experiences with Vashi2Panvel.Com and also provided some solutions...

Girija Sukanya, Kharghar resident does not understand the need for a megablock. “What’s the use? They say that the locals are taken to the yard for cleanliness and maintenance purposes but the trains never appear cleaner to me on Mondays. In fact many a times, the remains of somebody’s vomit are found near the window in ladies’ compartment. Its like travelling in sub-human conditions,” she complaints.

While Sundays are supposed to be the ideal time to freak out and paint the town red, many residents just stay away from Sunday outings. Anamika Kumar, student (DY Patil College, Belapur CBD) opines, “I don’t understand the funda behind this mega-block every Sunday. What good does it do to the trains in any case? Going by bus is also next to impossible because it is jam-packed. You hardly have any space to even put your foot. I remember once I had to go for classes on a Sunday and I rushed to the station to catch a train only to realise that there’s a mega-block. I felt terribly unprepared and after that I always remember not to go to railway stations on Sundays.”

New Panvel resident Meghna Ray too avoids a Sunday plan. She says, “Mostly, I avoid going out on Sundays because of the transport problems. But if I have to go for some classes or other work I take a bus instead of going to the station and returning back like a fool. I never change my plans even if the trains are not running. I go forth with what I had decided initially. So, if not a train, a bus is okay with me.”

For Panvel resident Ruhi Garg Mega block is a big hassle for Sunday commuters. “Especially for students as most of us have our coaching classes on Sundays. There are two options to deal with the problem- Chuck your plans into the waste-bin or opt for a bus. I prefer a bus on Sundays.”