Sarnaik steps in as 554 MMRDA metro, monorail guards get back pay, Diwali bonus
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has intervened after 554 contract security guards at MMRDA metro and monorail stations were removed from work.
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Bhayandar: Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has intervened in the removal of 554 contract security guards posted at the metro and monorail stations of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Following his firm stand, directions have reportedly been issued to take the guards back on duty. Directions have also been issued to pay two months of pending salary, wages for the 7 to 8 days they were kept off work, and the Diwali bonus.
About 554 security guards are deployed at the stations of Mumbai Metro Lines 7, 2A, 9 and 2B and at 51 stations of the Mumbai Monorail. It is alleged that from October 1, 2026, the contractor concerned removed the employees from work through a WhatsApp message alone, without any legal notice. This pushed the families of many employees into financial distress. The aggrieved SISPL security guards approached Minister Sarnaik for help.
Taking the employees' complaint seriously, Sarnaik contacted MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee and sought immediate action in the matter. He made it clear that injustice to any employee would not be tolerated. He is reported to have directed that all 554 security guards be taken back on duty, that the pending wages be paid and that the Diwali bonus be given.
Shiv Sena office-bearers also pleaded the employees' case in the matter. They include Nisha Narvekar, the party's women's district organiser, Manoj Rane, Bhayandar East city coordinator, and Santosh Gole, Mira Road city chief.
Minister Sarnaik said, "Violation of employees' rights and the high-handedness of contractors will not be tolerated. We are always ready to protect the rights and dignity of employees." The intervention is reported to have brought relief to the security guards.
