TMC, cops manage to keep private vehicles, hawkers away from station

THANE: The ambitious station traffic management plans at Thane station was finally flagged off on Wednesday morning amid mixed response from commuters and motorists.

The day one of the plan implementation remained largely hassle free with motorists and activists in for a surprise due to the diversions at the stretch early morning. As per the plans, vehicular traffic was completely barred from accessing the road touching the railway station premises adjoining the platform number 2 at Thane west. The heavy police presence ensured hawkers were kept away.

Auto rickshaws that formed a major part of the traffic at the spot were strictly regulated in three lanes along the designated stand. The adjoining lane was used by intercity taxi services while the last one will be earmarked exclusively for passage of ambulances and other government vehicles.

The plan saw initial resistance from few auto unions, but was eventually executed. "An auto union staged a protest against the sudden implementation of the plans without consulting them," said a civic official.

However, few bikes were still seen parked at the stretch despite police presence while some fleet cab drivers managed to sneak into the lanes in the first half of the day prompting the traffic police to install bollards at the spot.

Commuters welcomed the move as the exits remained decongested. "The station area seemed free for passengers. We never imagined walking down to the station could be so effortless," said Sanjay Kulkarni, a commuter from Thane. The Thane municipal administration that has drawn up plans for permanently clearing up the 300-m-long concourse connecting the station road said they will take a final decision on the traffic management only after taking feedback from passengers.