In view of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Central Railway will run special suburban trains on November 19-20, 2024 (Tuesday-Wednesday night) and November 20-21, 2024 (Wednesday-Thursday night) to facilitate the movement of election personnel and the public.

These trains will operate on the Main Line (CSMT-Kalyan) and Harbour Line (CSMT-Panvel), with specific departure and arrival times as listed below.

Schedule for Special Suburban Trains:

1. Tuesday-Wednesday Night (November 19-20, 2024)

Main Line (Down): CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 03:00 hrs, arrives at Kalyan at 04:30 hrs.

Main Line (UP): Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 03:00 hrs, arrives at CSMT at 04:30 hrs.

Harbour Line (Down): CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 03:00 hrs, arrives at Panvel at 04:20 hrs.

Harbour Line (Up): Panvel – CSMT Special 2: Departs Panvel at 03:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 04:20 hrs.

2. Wednesday-Thursday Night (November 20-21, 2024)

Main Line (Down): CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 01:10 hrs, arrives at Kalyan at 02:40 hrs.

CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 02:30 hrs, arrives at Kalyan at 04:00 hrs.

Main Line (Up): Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 01:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 02:30 hrs.

Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 02:00 hrs, and arrives at CSMT at 03:30 hrs.

Harbour Line (Down): CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 01:40 hrs, arrives at Panvel at 03:00 hrs.

CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 02:50 hrs, arrives at Panvel at 04:10 hrs.

Harbour Line (Up): CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs Panvel at 01:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 02:20 hrs.

CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs Panvel at 02:30 hrs, arrives CSMT at 03:50 hrs.

All special trains will halt at all stations between CSMT-Kalyan and CSMT-Panvel, as per the schedules listed above.

These special services are expected to enhance connectivity and ensure the smooth transit of election participants. Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of these additional services for their travel needs on these nights. We hope this initiative will empower voters to exercise their right to vote.

Mumbai: Given the lower voter turnout in Mumbai in the previous elections, the BMC has undertaken several initiatives to boost voter participation in the November 20 state polls.

Some of the key efforts include the rationalisation of polling stations (ensuring that they are at convenient distance), establishment of voting facilities within housing societies and making essential facilities available at polling stations.

BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani Reviews Election Arrangements

BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani, who is also the district election officer, reviewed the election arrangements on Friday. Steps have been taken to address past issues like distant polling stations and long queues. As a result, polling stations have been rationalised for better convenience. Their number has increased from 2,509 in the previous Lok Sabha elections to 2,538 in Mumbai.

Similarly, now there are 7,574 voting booths in the suburbs as compared to 7,384 in general polls. Other initiatives include ‘Know Your Polling Station’ campaign, transportation facility for Person with Disability voters.

“Awareness campaigns are being amplified through media, street plays, celebrity outreach and activities like rap songs and flash mobs,” said a civic official. Polling stations have been rationalised to accommodate 1,200 to 1,300 voters each, with increased stations in high-rise buildings.

Congress MP and leader Rahul Gandhi made a major election promise on Friday, vowing to pay farmers Rs 7000 per quintal for their soyabean crops should his party come to power. He also pledged that the difference between the minimum support price (MSP) and the Rs 7,000 rate would be provided as a bonus. Additionally, Gandhi announced plans to form a committee to determine a fair price for onion and set an MSE for cotton.

In a tweet, Gandhi criticised the BJP’s record on MSP for soybean, stating: “For the last three elections; the BIP has been promising Rs 6,000 MSP for soybean, yet farmers are still forced to sell their hard-earned crop for just Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per quintal,” promising, “Maha Vikas Aghadi will ensure justice, fair prices, and a fair return for farmers’ hard work.” This promise is significant in light of the ongoing demand from farmers for better MSP for soyabean, cotton, and onions.

BJP’s Pledge

The BJP has also pledged Rs 6.000 per quintal for soybean in its manifesto and proposed the establishment of a dedicated supply chain system to boost soyabean production, processing and MSP. At a recent rally in Vidarbha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had echoed the BIPs commitment, stating, “The Mahayuti government has promised to give Rs 6,000 per quintal for soyabean.”

Rahul Gandhi’s announcement also comes as part of Congress’s broader strategy to appeal to voters with significant promises. For instance, the party has also vowed to provide Rs 3,000 a month to women under the Mahalaxmi Yojana. In contrast, the BJP—led Mahayuti alliance has pledged to raise the amount provided under the Ladki Bahin Scheme from the current Rs 1,500 to Rs2,100. In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed a rally in Nanded, defending his government’s support for farmers.

“Our government has provided Rs 15,000 crore in assistance to farmers over the last two years,” Shinde said. “We are committed to helping soyabean and cotton farmers and have decided to waive farm loans. We will also expand soyabean procurement centres in the state and implement the ‘Bhavantar’ scheme to compensate farmers for losses after MSP is paid.” ‘With these announcements, both the Congress and BJP are seeking to strengthen their positions ahead of the upcoming elections by appealing to the state’s crucial farming community.