Pune: In a strong statement on August 18, Mohan Joshi, former MLA and Vice President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress, warned that the party would block the Chief Minister’s vehicle if the Shivajinagar ST Station is not relocated to its previous site within the next 15 days.
Earlier, on October 6, 2023, an agitation led by Joshi was staged in front of the ST Division Office, demanding the immediate restoration of the Shivajinagar ST Station.
In response, the state government announced in November 2023 that the station would be moved back to its original location. However, a year has passed since this decision, and no action has been taken to relocate the station.
Joshi stated that the Congress party will now resort to blocking the Chief Minister’s vehicle to press for the station’s restoration. This ultimatum highlights concerns regarding passenger convenience and transportation safety.
The Shivajinagar ST Station was temporarily relocated in 2019 to accommodate the MahaMetro project. This move, however, led to increased congestion on the Pune-Mumbai highway.
Despite the project’s completion two years ago, the station remains in its relocated position. Passengers have been facing ongoing difficulties, including severe waterlogging inside and outside the station during the monsoon season.
Joshi noted that passengers' patience has been exhausted, prompting the Congress party to take a more assertive stance.