CR to build 28 footbridges in two years to curb trespassing

Suburban commuters on central railway (CR) can expect a faster and hassle-free walk as the railways plans to build 28 footbridges and replace eight old ones by spending more than Rs8 crore in the next two years.

Apart from providing easier east-west connectivity, the move aims to curb the trespassing incidents, a major concern for the suburban railway. (Hindustan Times)

Suburban commuters on central railway (CR) can expect a faster and hassle-free walk as the railways plans to build 28 footbridges and replace eight old ones by spending more than Rs8 crore in the next two years.

Apart from providing easier east-west connectivity, the move aims to curb the trespassing incidents, a major concern for the suburban railway.

The plan also envisages to unclog overcrowded bridges.

Every year on an average, Mumbai rail network witnesses more than 3,000 deaths, and majority of which are due to trespassing.

“Besides ease of access to platforms, the new bridges will facilitate the east-west connectivity at railway stations. They will come in phases in the next two years,” said Narendra Patil, chief public relation officer, central railway.

The CR recently added 11 new bridges on Mumbai division.

The areas identified for new bridges include Nahur, Thane, Vangani, Curry Road, Dadar, Kurla, Kalyan, Wadala Road, Mankhrud, Parel and Masjid Bunder.

Of the 28 bridges, the municipal corporations in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai will construct nine, of which, six will be built by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, two by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and one by Thane Municipal Corporation at Kalva. The demand by commuters to control trespassing has long been pending.

“It’s good that the railways will construct bridges but it should be done in a time-bound manner. Lack of bridges is the biggest concern for women who often complain of eve-teasing,” said Lata Argade, a commuter activist.