Staff Left Waiting: Mumbai Central’s New Reservation Room Still Off-Limits After Ministerial Launch

The newly constructed reservation room and air-conditioned waiting lounge at Mumbai Central ST Depot, inaugurated recently by Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, is yet to be made operational. The Rs. several lakh project funded by the Public Works Department was intended to provide rest and reservation facilities to drivers and conductors.

Senior ST officials discovered that the room was neither officially handed over to frontline staff nor integrated into duty rosters, leaving it unused and showing signs of neglect, such as moisture on walls and untouched switch-gear. This delay contradicted the minister’s explicit instructions to make the facility available immediately.

In response, Minister Sarnaik has called for strict disciplinary measures against officers responsible for the inaction. The Employees’ Union representing ST staff has expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting the facility’s necessity for workers’ welfare and demanding swift activation.

MSRTC headquarters announced a review of handover procedures and assured no further delays in operationalizing the facility, underscoring commitment to staff amenities.

Key Highlights

Reservation room at Mumbai Central ST Depot remains closed weeks post-inauguration.​

Facility includes a fully air-conditioned lounge and ticket reservation counters.​

Minister Pratap Sarnaik orders disciplinary action against responsible officers.​

Delay due to lack of formal handover and incorporation into duty rosters.​

Employee union demands urgent activation citing staff welfare.​

MSRTC to review handover and ensure immediate facility use.​

Sources: Free Press Journal, Loksatta, MSRTC Reports.