For many residents and daily commuters in Vasai, a simple trip to the railway station has become uncomfortable—and in some cases, even frightening. The area outside the Vasai Road Railway Station, especially on the western side near the bus depot, has reportedly seen an increase in the presence of women involved in prostitution.
This rising activity isn’t just being whispered about—it’s become a daily concern for women and families passing through the area. Locals say the situation has worsened over the past few months, with women allegedly soliciting clients openly, using suggestive gestures and loitering around busy public spots.
A Growing Concern
The western part of the Vasai railway station is usually bustling with activity. Every day, thousands of commuters pass through—heading to work, school, or running errands. Among them are women, elderly people, and families. But of late, many have expressed feeling uncomfortable because of the growing presence of sex workers in the area.
According to local residents, these women are often seen standing along the main road near the railway station, around the bus depot, and even on the pedestrian skywalk. They start appearing by late evening and remain till midnight or later, actively seeking clients.
What concerns citizens even more is not just their presence—but the crowd they attract. Residents claim that along with the prostitutes come their clients, brokers, and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The environment, they say, becomes unpleasant and threatening, especially for women and young girls.
One regular commuter, Neha Mhatre, shared her experience. “I usually wait for my bus around 10 at night. These women don’t seem to care who is around. They stand nearby and call out to men. It feels very uncomfortable, and sometimes, even unsafe.”
Impact on Safety and Local Businesses
Citizens have also noted that the situation has led to an increase in inappropriate behavior. Some men loitering around the area have been seen passing lewd comments or staring at women inappropriately. Incidents of eve-teasing are reportedly on the rise, making the station area feel less secure.
Many believe that the problem is slowly spreading beyond just the station. A few residents pointed out that these women are now seen near local bars and hotels. Areas like Anandnagar have also reportedly become hubs where similar activities occur, sometimes even within private premises or lodges.
Prachi Bhoir, a female traveler who commutes regularly through Vasai station, expressed her concerns. “I feel very uneasy traveling in the evening. We’re just ordinary people trying to get home safely. We shouldn’t have to deal with this kind of harassment. The police need to take this seriously.”
Small businesses in the area are also being impacted. Owners of pan stalls and liquor shops report that some customers hang around longer, creating a nuisance and discouraging other customers. Some shops are now choosing to shut down earlier than usual to avoid trouble.
What Are the Authorities Saying?
When asked about the issue, Senior Police Inspector Hiralal Jadhav of Manickpur Police Station said that the police are aware of the situation and are already working on it.
“From time to time, we do take action under the Mumbai Police Act and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code,” he said. “We are planning to increase our patrolling in the bus depot and railway station area.”
Inspector Jadhav added that steps are being taken to improve lighting in the area. Halogen lights will be installed, and additional CCTV cameras will be placed in strategic locations. The hope is that with increased visibility and surveillance, such activities will reduce.
He also acknowledged that it’s not just about taking action against the women but addressing the entire network, which often includes pimps and repeat offenders who lure women into this line of work.
Residents Demand Quicker and Stronger Action
Despite the assurances, many citizens remain skeptical and feel that the response has been too slow. They say that although there may have been a few isolated crackdowns in the past, the problem keeps coming back.
“This isn’t new,” said one local resident. “We’ve seen police vans come by once in a while, but nothing changes long-term. These women disappear for a day or two and then return like nothing happened.”
There is growing pressure on local authorities to not only act faster but also create a long-term plan to address the root causes. Social workers and local leaders have pointed out the need for rehabilitation efforts for women involved in prostitution, along with stricter penalties for clients and those who organize such activities.
The Road Ahead
While some locals demand that the area be completely cleared of such activity, others acknowledge that prostitution is a complex issue, deeply tied to poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and exploitation.
For now, the immediate concern remains the safety and well-being of the thousands of daily commuters, especially women, who use the Vasai Railway Station. With more eyes on the issue, it remains to be seen whether the promised action will be enough to clean up the area and restore a sense of safety and normalcy.
If you’re a daily commuter or resident who has noticed changes in the Vasai station area, authorities encourage reporting suspicious activity to the nearest police outpost or via helplines.
