Ganeshotsav décor with a message: ‘Hawker-Free Stations, Safe Commuters’

THANE: Amid the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav, a group of youths in Dombivli has turned their Ganpati decoration into a strong social message, demanding hawker-free, clean, and safe railway stations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.The theme, titled “Hawker-Free Stations, Safe Commuters,” highlights the growing chaos caused by unregulated hawkers and auto stands outside major railway stations including Dombivli, Kalyan, Thane, Ghatkopar, Kurla, Dadar, and Nalasopara. Organizers said the congestion makes it extremely difficult for daily commuters, senior citizens, and specially-abled passengers to move safely, while also increasing the risk of stampedes during peak hours.The youths have appealed to the state government to strictly implement the directives of the Hon. Supreme Court, which mandate that hawkers must be located at least 150 meters away from railway stations. However, weak enforcement by local corporations has left commuters struggling with unsafe and overcrowded station premises.“Like every year, our Ganpati decoration carries a social message,” said organizer Rupesh Raut.

“In the past, we highlighted the Tokyo Olympic Stadium to honor athletes, the Tata Hospital replica to spread cancer awareness, and the need for IT parks in Kalyan–Dombivli to reduce train rush. This year, we chose the chaos around railway stations, which affects every Mumbaikar on a daily basis.”The organisers are happy that in 2022 after they raised demand for Cancer hospital in Dombivli, the Kalyan Loksabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde had promised to built cancer hospital in Dombivli and process of work is ongoing. The decoration artist Vaibhav Rode, Mahesh Nimankar with others in Ganpati decoration recreates scenes outside many railway stations, with hawkers crowding footpaths and unregulated auto rickshaws adding to the chaos. Through this symbolic setup, the group prays to Lord Ganpati for smoother, safer, and more dignified travel for all commuters.The initiative has received appreciation from residents and commuters alike, who lauded the youths for creatively raising awareness about an issue that has long been overlooked by the authorities.