Maharashtra Govt Forms Panel To Study Staggered Office Timings After Mumbra-Kalwa Train Tragedy

In response to a renewed request by the Central Railway (CR) on staggered timings for its offices, the state government has appointed a committee to study the feasibility of having such time schedules in Mumbai city and suburbs.

A 12-member committee, headed by the chief secretary, will comprise secretaries of various state departments such as finance, transport, general administration department, urban development, labour, industries and Shrikar Pardeshi, secretary to the Chief Minister, transport commissioner and the district collectors of Mumbai city and suburban district.

This committee is expected to invite representatives of the state government employees' union.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months.

The long-discussed issue of staggered office timings has gained renewed attention following a tragic accident between Mumbra and Kalwa stations that left five dead and ten injured. Despite earlier appeals from the divisional railway manager to the state government, little action was taken. The railways have urged both Central government offices and private firms to implement staggered timings to ease suburban train overcrowding.