Now Reading: Railways deny security nod, Mumbai Onam floral carpet cancelled
-
01
Railways deny security nod, Mumbai Onam floral carpet cancelled
Central Railway has refused permission for the annual Maha Pookalam at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) this Onam, citing security restrictions under Section 144 CrPC that remain in force after a railway…
Central Railway has refused permission for the annual Maha Pookalam at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) this Onam, citing security restrictions under Section 144 CrPC that remain in force after a railway union protest. Organisers All Mumbai Malayalee Association (AMMA) have run the floral carpet since 2015, drawing up to 2.6 million visitors over the years.
Railway spokesperson Dr Swapnil Nila confirmed the ban applies to all activities in front of the motormen’s lobby, with events now shifted to Platforms 7 and 8. AMMA president Jojo Thomas expressed disappointment but said the group respects the security concerns at a strategic location like CSMT.
The Pookalam, prepared overnight by volunteers using hundreds of kilograms of flowers, also served as a floral tribute to 26/11 victims at the station. Thomas hopes to work with Railways to resume the event with proper protocols in future years.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The denial highlights a recurring tension between Mumbai’s civic-cultural events and security protocols at high-risk transit hubs. CSMT, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was also one of the targets in the 26/11 attacks, and the Railways have tightened access controls since then. The Section 144 order cited by Central Railway stems from a labour protest, but the blanket ban on all activities near the motormen’s lobby suggests a wider security review. Whether the organisers can secure a new venue, such as a designated public square inside the station, or negotiate a scaled-down display will determine if the tradition survives. The Railways’ next statement on event permissions for festivals will be watched closely by community groups across Mumbai.
Source: freepressjournal.in
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
