Mumbai Train Disruptions: Safety Circular Sparks 'Work to Rule' Protest

Train services at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus faced disruptions on Wednesday evening following a 'work to rule' protest by train managers. The demonstrators opposed a new safety circular that revised procedures under the General and Subsidiary Rules, impacting the regularity of suburban operations.

The procedural protest led to the cancellation and delay of several suburban services during peak evening hours, creating inconvenience for commuters at the bustling terminus in south Mumbai. Discussions between Central Railway authorities and train manager representatives are ongoing in hopes of resolving the issue and restoring normal operations.

The contentious circular, issued on May 7, mandates train managers to exchange new bell code signals with motormen to prevent platform overshooting, a preventive measure that some train managers have strictly enforced to highlight their dissent.

(With inputs from agencies.)