BJP Corporator Urges New Bus Route After Student's Tragic Train Death in Dombivli
In the wake of a heartbreaking incident where an HSC student from Dombivli died after allegedly falling off a crowded local train while traveling to an exam center, BJP corporator Dipesh Mhatre has taken swift action. On Wednesday, Mhatre convened a meeting with officials from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT) department to advocate for the immediate launch of bus services between Dombivli and Thane. Currently, there are no such public transport options available on this critical stretch, exacerbating the reliance on overburdened suburban railway networks.
Addressing Transport Crisis and Safety Concerns
Mhatre emphasized that introducing bus services would significantly alleviate the mounting pressure on suburban trains, which are often packed beyond capacity, posing severe safety risks to commuters. He highlighted that a reliable bus alternative could provide citizens with a safer and more comfortable mode of transport, potentially preventing future tragedies like the recent student's death. During the meeting, Mhatre urged KDMT officials to conduct a joint inspection of the proposed route and expedite the finalization of a commuter-friendly timetable to ensure swift implementation.
Feasibility Survey and Infrastructure Opportunities
Following the discussions, KDMT officials promptly carried out a survey of the suggested alignment from Mothagaon in Dombivli to Kapurbawadi in Thane. The survey reportedly revealed that buses could cover this distance in approximately 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions, confirming the operational feasibility of the service. Mhatre later pointed out that the recent completion of the Mothagaon-Mankoli flyover presents a prime opportunity to establish a faster and safer bus link, leveraging improved road infrastructure to enhance connectivity.
Additionally, Mhatre noted that KDMT has around 7 gunthas of land reserved at Mothagaon, which could be effectively utilized for bus parking and terminal facilities, further supporting the initiative. Expressing optimism, he stated his hopes that the bus services would be introduced by March, aiming to provide a tangible solution to the region's transport woes and honor the memory of the deceased student by improving commuter safety.
