The Thane civic body and the city traffic police department will also carry out a joint operation to take strict action against auto-rickshaw drivers violating rules

Around five lakh commuters use the Thane railway station for train travel everyday, it was noted in a meeting which Bhangar held in Thane on Saturday with senior traffic department and civic officials

Also Read: TMC chief orders to remove unauthorised hawkers near Thane railway station

Abhijit Bangar directed that the "area of 150 metres around the Thane station be cleared of hawkers, beggars and other nuisance", an official release said. There have been complaints from commuters of auto-rickshaw drivers being arrogant, jumping lanes, crowding near the station's entrance and refusing fares

Sandeep Malvi, Additional Commissioner – TMC, informed that Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has given instructions to officials to permanently remove hawkers from the 150-meter periphery outside the Thane railway station

Speaking exclusively to midday.com, Sandeep Malvi said, "We are taking action against the hawkers outside Thane station. As the area witnesses a footfall of 6- 7 lakh daily, we are focusing on that area first. After that, it will be carried out in different parts of the city”