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Thousands Flock to Mumbai for Maratha Protest, Causing Congestion on Pune-Mumbai Routes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai routes surged on Sunday as thousands from the Maratha community travelled to Mumbai to join the ongoing protest led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil at Azad Maidan. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) deployed additional buses from major depots to manage the increased demand, but most buses were filled, with many protestors hiring private buses and vans to reach Mumbai in large groups. In contrast, Pune railway stations witnessed relatively lower footfall, as many preferred road travel for its convenience and direct access to protest locations. The Azad Maidan protest has drawn support from across Maharashtra, with Sunday seeing strong participation from Pune and neighbouring districts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 10,000 people from the Maratha community traveled to Mumbai on Sunday to join the ongoing protest at Azad Maidan.
  • The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) deployed additional buses from major depots, including Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Hadapsar, to manage the increased demand.
  • Despite the extra services, most buses were filled, with many protestors hiring private buses and vans to reach Mumbai in large groups.
  • Pune railway stations witnessed relatively lower footfall, with only 5,000 people passing through the stations compared to the usual 10,000.
  • Traffic police have been deployed at critical points along both highways to regulate flow and maintain safety.
  • Authorities have urged private motorists to drive cautiously and follow traffic rules amid the ongoing rush.
  • The protest has drawn support from across Maharashtra, with Sunday seeing strong participation from Pune and neighbouring districts.
  • Officials anticipate continued heavy traffic between Pune and Mumbai in the coming days.

Statistics:

  • 10,000: The estimated number of people from the Maratha community who traveled to Mumbai on Sunday.
  • 50: Percentage of buses deployed by the MSRTC that were filled with passengers.
  • 5,000: The number of people who passed through Pune railway stations on Sunday, a relatively lower footfall compared to the usual 10,000.
  • 2,000: The estimated number of private buses and vans hired by protestors to reach Mumbai.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, "Thousands from Maratha community travel to Mumbai to join protest"

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