Maratha Protesters Gather at CSMT Ahead of Azad Maidan Rally

Mumbai, Aug 29 (PTI) The influx of Maratha community members into Mumbai has significantly increased as they converge at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) via suburban and outstation trains. Thousands are gathering in anticipation of activist Manoj Jarange’s protest set to take place at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai this Friday.

From the early hours, CSMT has been bustling with Maratha protesters, engaging in chants and dances as they proceed to the nearby protest venue. The station is a sea of saffron flags, traditional caps, and scarves, with the concourse crowded by spirited individuals.

Authorities reported that the platforms and concourses at CSMT remained teeming with people throughout the night, as many protesters stayed overnight on the premises after arriving in the city. Among the crowds was a group hailing from Parbhani who journeyed by train.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) alongside other security outfits have intensified their presence at CSMT, located just a short distance from the protest site. An official informed PTI that an additional team consisting of 40 RPF officers and approximately 60 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel have been stationed at the terminus.

Due to the coincidence of the Ganesh festival and the protest, the Central Railway (CR) has bolstered security measures by deploying an additional 240 RPF personnel across key Mumbai stations. Of these, around 95 officers have been strategically positioned at stations such as Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Cotton Green, and Sewri.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) have augmented their security presence at CSMT, adding 40 more officers to the daytime roster of 160 and increasing the night personnel to 70, according to a senior official. Should the weather turn rainy, protesters may seek shelter at the station and the nearby subway.

CSMT has been experiencing a continual arrival of Maratha protesters since Wednesday morning, as noted by security staff. After disembarking, many participants—wearing saffron caps and scarves—marched towards Azad Maidan, raising slogans and brandishing saffron flags.

Regarded as one of Mumbai's busiest stations, CSMT routinely handles heavy passenger traffic, which has surged further on this Thursday due to Ganesh festival travel and the convergence of Maratha protesters.

Meanwhile, Central Railway’s mainline services faced delays due to an engine snag at Karjat.

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