Shiv Sena, BJP play name game to get credit for Oshiwara station

Even before the Oshiwara railway station could be commissioned, there is a race among political parties, especially BJP and Shiv Sena, to score brownie points over the project. Leaders of BJP and Sena are trying hard to grab credit for the newly constructed railway station, which will prove beneficial for a large population living between Jogeshwari and Goregaon.

Shiv Sena leader and minister of industries Subhash Desai had visited the Oshiwara railway station premises few days ago to review amenities to be provided to commuters.

He also held a meeting on November 4 at Mantralaya along with officials of railways, BEST, BMC and MMRDA to take stock of construction of bus stands to be set up at both sides of the stations.

“We are committed to providing necessary facilities to commuters at Oshiwara station premises,” Mr Desai said.

While Mr Desai was conducting a meeting at Mantralaya, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar visited the Oshiwara railway station on the same day to inspect ongoing works. In an attempt to claim credit for the project, he said the railway station has come up only due to the BJP government.

“Despite the dire need of Oshiwara railway station, the project could not be completed since Congress government did not provide funds in the last 12 years. However, after the BJP came to power at Centre and State, railway minister Suresh Prabhu has provided substantial funds for Mumbai Suburban railway projects. Oshiwara railway station is one of them,” said Mr Shelar.

Situated between Goregaon and Jogeshwari stations, the Oshiwara station will mainly prove beneficial for the commuters of Harbour line, for which two tracks have been created.

The Central Railways is planning to extend the Harbour line from Andheri to Goregaon.

The Oshiwara station, which is the first new station on the western line in over 50 years, is likely to be inaugurated in December.