Civic body to revamp railway stations

The civic body will soon undertake beautification to ease traffic and make areas around railway stations pedestrian-friendly.

The civic body will soon undertake beautification to ease traffic and make areas around railway stations pedestrian-friendly. The standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) cleared a proposal to this effect on Friday.

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The civic body has kicked off the redevelopment plan with its pilot project at Khar (W) station, which aims to beautify 6,250sqm at a cost Rs2.64 crore. Other stations where this project will be implemented include Dadar, Kurla, Andheri, Khar Road, Borivli, Wadala and Chembur.

“The civic body will consider taking maximum area at railway stations under this project as per the availability of funds,” said Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner.

Ashish Shelar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator from Khar (W), said, “Congestion near Khar station is inconvenient for people living in that area. This project will considerably ease traffic and make the road pedestrian-friendly.”

Architect PK Das, who has designed the redevelopment plan, said, “The station premise will have a station plaza, which means open space outside station. There will be separate auto, taxi and bus stands. This will reduce traffic and help people walk up to SV Road right from the station.” There will also be a platform for vegetable vendors on the pavements and shopkeepers will have kiosks.

The project is expected to finish by the year-end. Bhalchandra Shirsat, corporator from Ghatkopar, said, “Ghatkopar station should be included this project as it will be connected to Andheri by metro rail.”

Rahul Shewale, civic standing committee chairman, said, “I will meet officials concerned and will finalise the plan soon.”