Offices shut early due to motormen’s strike call

The Maharashtra government has requested early closure of offices to allow the authorities to deal with situation in the wake of the hunger strike call by motormen from both the Central as well as Western railway.

While private companies were asked to shut by 3:00 pm, banks and public sector offices had to close down by 4:00 pm and government offices by 5:00 pm.

Motormen are demanding better pay and facilities; meanwhile railway officials say that local train services have been running as per schedule. Buses have been held on standby at all major stations by the authorities to help commuters reach their destination.

The railways have requisitioned 6,000 additional buses looking at the situation. However, Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Company (BEST), has offered 3,000 buses and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will give an additional 450 buses.

Hundreds of policemen have been deployed at various stations on the suburban services routes to prevent disruption of services by anti-social elements and to guide commuters as they make their way back home.

According to reports, motormen will remain on duty but may not work overtime, which would reduce the number of trains plying in the evening rush hours.