Central Railways raises height of six platforms in Mumbai

Central Railways raises height of six platforms in Mumbai

Mumbai: The Central Railway has finally completed the task of increasing the height of six of their platforms. They have promised to adhere to the deadline of March 31, 2015 set by the high court and complete work on a total 17 platforms, which are in need of immediate repairs.

The issues of the platform height came to the forefront when 16-year-old Monica More lost both her arms while trying to board a train at Ghatkopar station back in January 2014.

Officials said that work in 17 stations will be completed within the deadline but it is being hampered as it is difficult to work for long hours at stations that get high footfalls.

An official on condition of anonymity said, “Stations like Dadar, Thane and Kalyan are used by many, due to which most of the time we end up laying the foundation at a very slow rate.”

The six platforms where work has been completed are Chembur, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar platform no.1 and 2 and Kopar platform 1 and 2. Other platforms that are currently being raised include in stations like Thane, Kanjurmarg, Ambernath, Shelu, Vithalwadi, Kasara, Cotton Green, Sandhurst and Kasara. “The new height of 900 mm platforms, as decided by the HC appointed committee, will be constructed on these stations but work in Dadar and Kurla station will be taken up post March as they will take time,” added the official.

Although Navi Mumbai stations from Vashi to Panvel as well as those along Vashi to Thane have yet not been raised as CR is still working out the details with City Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Officials said that a meeting would be held at CST on Thursday to resolve the Navi Mumbai issue.

Meanwhile commuters that use the CR hope that the work on the platforms will be completed soon. Manisha Chitle (33) a school teacher who travels from Vikhroli to Sanpada everyday said that one platform of the station has been raised which gives her hope that the others too will soon be raised. She said, “I have seen that they have raised platform no.1 so I am hoping that they will raise the other soon. At least I hope that there will not be another Monica More.”