Tourists stranded as Matheran strike disrupts services

Residents and traders in Matheran have begun an indefinite strike, causing trouble for tourists. The strike started on Tuesday and is led by a group called the Matheran Paryatan Vachav Sangharsh Samiti (MPVSS). Many visitors arriving by mini train and cars found that all businesses were closed and had to turn back. Protesters are raising concerns about cheating and overcharging by touts and horse operators at the main entry point, Kasturi Naka. One tourist, Nitin Pagar, expressed disappointment, saying he did not expect the strike. He highlighted that Matheran is a popular destination for residents of Mumbai, especially during the summer vacations. The protest is aimed at improving Matheran's reputation and stopping dishonest practices in tourism. Former municipal council president Manoj Khedkar stated that the strike will continue until these issues are resolved. Matheran is known for its cool climate and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Sunil Shinde, a local leader, mentioned that tourists have faced scams and exploitation. He pointed out that horse operators mislead visitors about transportation options. E-rickshaws offer a cheaper and more comfortable ride for elderly tourists, but horse rides are often more expensive. In response, a horse operator defended the use of horses as part of the area's charm. The group MPVSS is asking local authorities to take action on these complaints. Matheran council chief officer Rahul Ingale confirmed they have received reports of issues and will meet with various government departments and protesters to discuss solutions. Khedkar described how tourists also face harassment from local taxi operators and horsemen, which further tarnishes Matheran’s image.