HC flays delay in Virar-Dahanu Rd rail link

The Bombay High Court on Thursday came down heavily on Western Railway for delay in extending the suburban rail network from Virar to Dahanu Road.The Division Bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Roshan Dalvi was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Rajkumar Chorghe, a Vasai-Virar municipal corporator, demanding the early completion of the project. According to the petitioner, the project has been delayed several times, causing inconvenience to commuters living beyond Virar.Criticising the WR for continued inaction, Chief Justice Shah said, “Are you waiting for someone to inaugurate the new tracks? What is the reason for this delay?”WR’s lawyer Beni Chatterjee told the court that the line cannot be started at present as it is two-track, to which Justice Dalvi replied that two tracks are enough to start the suburban service.The court has asked WR to file an affidavit stating their position on the issue and has adjourned the case till January 19.