Matheran Tourists Stranded as Police Crack Down on Taxi Drivers Amid Monsoon Rush
Matheran Tourists Stranded as Police Crack Down on Taxi Drivers Amid Monsoon Rush
Police action against taxi drivers to control unruly behavior leads to chaos for visiting tourists
As the monsoon tourist season picks up in Matheran, the local administration took strict action on Sunday against undisciplined vehicle movement. However, instead of improving the situation, the crackdown created immense trouble for ordinary tourists visiting the hill station.
Every year, Matheran attracts large crowds during the monsoon, especially on weekends. With the mini train services currently suspended, tourists have no option but to rely on private vehicles. This Sunday, many tourists who had come to enjoy the monsoon beauty found themselves stranded without transport for the return journey.
The situation worsened as the Neral-Matheran Taxi Owners’ Association halted operations, reportedly in protest. As a result, tourists including children, senior citizens, and the differently-abled were forced to walk around 9 kilometers, enduring harsh conditions. While all this unfolded in front of the authorities, no immediate relief was provided, prompting locals and visitors alike to question: Who is responsible for this chaos?
Confusion reigned for a while until it was discovered that taxis were actually parked inside the Neral Police Station. The problem stemmed not from a strike, but from police action—officers had begun penalizing drivers who were overtaking recklessly and causing traffic jams. In response, several vehicles were seized, leading to a tense face-off between police and taxi union representatives.
Locals voiced concerns that while Matheran thrives on tourism, the administration is failing to provide quality services to visitors. Basic issues such as ensuring availability of transport and handling peak crowd days, remain unaddressed. Moreover, not a single senior official reportedly stays in Matheran, deepening the disconnect between administration and on-ground realities. The lack of efficient alternative transport and poorly maintained roads are making things worse.
Tourists and locals are now demanding accountability and immediate steps to ensure smoother transportation and better facilities for all visitors to this eco-sensitive and popular destination.
