The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday urged the railway administration to reconsider its decision to cancel the Dadar–Ratnagiri passenger service and replace it with the Dadar–Gorakhpur Express, warning of intensified protests if the move is not reversed.
MNS delegation meets railway officials
A delegation of MNS leaders, led by Nitin Sardesai, met senior railway officials earlier in the day to strongly oppose the decision. The party termed the move detrimental to commuters from the Konkan region, who have long depended on the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger service.
महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेचे नेते श्री. नितीन सरदेसाई यांच्या नेतृत्वाखाली मनसेच्या शिष्टमंडळाने रेल्वे प्रशासनातील वरिष्ठ अधिकाऱ्यांची भेट घेत दादर–रत्नागिरी रेल्वे पॅसेंजर सेवा रद्द करून तिच्या ऐवजी दादर–गोरखपूर रेल्वे सुरू करण्याच्या निर्णयाचा तीव्र निषेध नोंदवला.
या निर्णयाची… pic.twitter.com/XATMOrgsHH
— MNS Adhikrut – मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) March 24, 2026
The delegation demanded immediate intervention by the railway authorities, stating that the decision has caused widespread inconvenience to daily and low-income travellers.
Warning of statewide agitation
Issuing a stern warning, the MNS said it would be compelled to launch an intense agitation if the railway administration fails to roll back the decision.
“The railway administration should immediately reconsider this decision. Otherwise, they will have to face the wrath of Konkan residents,” Sardesai said, reiterating the party’s stance during the protest.
“दादर-रत्नागिरी रेल्वे पॅसेंजर रद्द करून त्याऐवजी दादर-गोरखपूर रेल्वे सुरू करणाऱ्या सरकारचा महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेतर्फे निषेध. या विषयामध्ये लवकरच आमचं शिष्टमंडळ रेल्वेच्या संबंधित अधिकाऱ्यांची भेट घेईल. रेल्वे प्रशासनाने या निर्णयाचा तात्काळ फेरविचार करावा. अन्यथा… pic.twitter.com/EI4nJFaQxF
— MNS Adhikrut – मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) March 24, 2026
Controversy over Dadar–Gorakhpur train replacement
The controversy stems from Central Railway’s decision to convert a “special” train operating between Dadar and Gorakhpur into a permanent express service. The new train has been allotted the same operational slot previously used by the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger train.
The move has sparked a broader socio-political debate, with critics describing it as a Marathi-versus-north Indian issue, further intensifying regional sentiments.
Lifeline for Konkan commuters disrupted
Introduced in the late 1990s, the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger train has been a crucial link between Mumbai and the Konkan region. It has historically served as a lifeline for daily commuters, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Following the recent changes, the service now originates from Diva, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, instead of Dadar—causing inconvenience to passengers who must travel additional distances to board the train.
Railways defend decision
Central Railway officials have defended the move, stating that the adjustment is necessary to maintain punctuality and efficiency within Mumbai’s suburban railway network.
However, the decision has triggered backlash from commuters and political groups alike, with increasing calls for its reconsideration in light of public inconvenience.
Growing pressure on railway ministry
With protests intensifying and political pressure mounting, the railway administration now faces demands to restore the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger service or provide an alternative arrangement that safeguards the interests of Konkan commuters.
