MRVC plans FOBs at 20 locations in Mumbai

MRVC plans FOBs at 20 locations in Mumbai

Mumbai: Offering a solution to prevent the large number of deaths due to trespassing along the railway stretch between any two stations on suburban railways, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has proposed to make at least 20 foot overbridges (FOBs) on the mid-sections of Central, Western, Harbour and Trans-Harbour lines.

A detailed report pointing out at least 130 such locations, which have been identified in a study done by Sir J.J.School of Architecture, has been submitted to the Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) for consideration. While preparing the report, which details the trespassing pattern at 20 critical locations, the consultants have looked at stretches at least 500 metres to a km away from the railway stations. The locations have been identified based on the death rate in the last three years.

At least 50 per cent of the total number of deaths in railway accidents are due to trespassing, as per Government Railway Police (GRP) records. Since January this year, 2,510 people have died in accidents involving suburban railways. Last year, the figure was 3,513 while in 2012, 3,543 people died. “Presence of slums as well as frequent movement of people from east to west or vice versa for schools, work or daily chores have been cited as reasons for trespassing along mid-section of two stations,” said an MRVC officer.

The report has based its findings on the number of people trespassing during peak and non-peak hours of the day. As per the report, a large part of trespassing has been reported on mainline of Central Railway, Habour and Trans-Harbour lines.

According to a senior railway official, the MRVC plans FOBs at each of the 20 locations that were studied in detail. These will go over the tracks and land on the city side to enable people to cross tracks safely.

“Once the landings have been provided on both sides, concrete walls will be made to barricade railway tracks to prevent people from trespassing,” said a senior railway officer.