Once envisioned as a model railway station, Nerul on the Harbour Line has turned into a filthy, lawless zone — overrun by hawkers, beggars, and shady elements while authorities look the other way. Commuters say the station has become a “No Rule Zone,” a nickname locals now use with frustration and disgust.
At the Jui Nagar end of the platforms, beggars and hawkers have set up semi-permanent camps, turning the area into an open garbage dump. The spot coincides with the ladies’ coach`s halting point, making daily travel an ordeal. “When these people enter the compartment, the stench is unbearable,” said a woman commuter. “The platforms are filthy, and RPF or GRP never bother.”
Beggars haunt the area outside Nerul railway station (right) commuters cross the tracks to change platforms
Despite CCTV cameras on all platforms, hawkers and beggars roam freely, selling goods in full public view. There are no cameras near staircases, no signage and not a single subway — making Nerul the only station between Vashi and Khandeshwar without one. Commuters are forced to climb steep staircases with no escalators or lifts, even though the Navi Mumbai International Airport is now operational, and passengers often carry heavy luggage.
All stations on the Trans-Harbour line from Digha Gaon to Jui Nagar have subways — except Nerul. The situation is further aggravated by the lack of direct train connectivity on the newly developed Uran line. Although signalling for Uran-Thane, Uran-CSMT and Uran-Goregaon routes has been installed, Central Railway has yet to commence services. Passengers travelling from Uran to the western suburbs must alight at Nerul and change trains — an exhausting exercise, especially with luggage. “With the airport now functional, direct trains are the need of the hour,” said one commuter.
Liquor shop inside station
The west side of the station presents an even darker picture. A liquor shop operates within the railway premises, allegedly with CIDCO’s permission — a move that has angered residents. Around it, beggars sleep and hawkers store goods. “When I started taking photos, a CIDCO security guard hurriedly chased away the beggars and hawkers,” this correspondent observed.
Vagrants squat and rest on the platform
Advocate Chandrakant Nikam, a long-time resident, said, “We have written several letters to CIDCO. The wine shop has existed since the day the station opened. No one has taken action. The authorities don’t care — it’s commuters who suffer every day.” Resident Vijay Ghate added, “NERUL means No Rule. Toilets for commuters are outside the station, while a wine shop sits comfortably inside the complex. That sums up the priorities here.”
Inaugurated in August 1993, the CIDCO-built station has still not been handed over to Central Railway, resulting in a constant blame game between the two authorities. The single drinking-water cooler near the east-side ticket counter is reportedly used mostly by hawkers. The public toilet on the west side, commuters allege, has become a drug-delivery point after dark.
Adding to commuters’ frustration is the lack of a functioning police contact system. The GRP office near Platform No. 1 displays a landline number — but it has remained out of service for months, residents claim. With most landlines non-functional, passengers must personally approach the station manager’s office, RPF, or GRP desk for help. Even helpline numbers rarely connect immediately, leaving commuters stranded during emergencies.
After 10 pm, locals say, the station transforms into a hotspot for liquor and drug sales. “CIDCO teams show up only between 11 am and 5 pm, long after the real action hours. The illegal vendors know exactly when to vanish,” said a local shopkeeper, adding that genuine traders face harassment while lawbreakers flourish.
Other woes
During the monsoon, leaking roofs make platforms slippery and unsafe. The cramped parking area is chaotic, with vehicles dumped haphazardly. Residents allege that even land meant for a transport hub has been sold to a builder, where a high-rise is now under construction.
When contacted, Deepak Singh, assistant executive engineer (AEE), CIDCO, acknowledged the problems and said eviction drives are regularly held, but are not a permanent solution. “We have repeatedly told our security personnel to remove beggars and hawkers. We chase them away, but they return soon after,” Singh said.
“Regarding the wine shop, permission was not issued by our maintenance wing but reportedly by CIDCO’s Estate Section many years ago. It is an old establishment and — as per records — legally operating,” he added. “We have already spoken to the Maharashtra Police. CIDCO will provide a police chowkie near the garden so that police can control addicts and those who create trouble, especially at night,” Singh said. He further stated that CIDCO is coordinating with the RPF and local police, and that maintenance teams conduct day inspections and eviction drives as required.
