CR slow in tackling complaints: Commuter bodies

The officials of Central Railway (CR), headed by the new divisional railway manager, had to face a barrage of complaints from the commuter representatives at the divisional railway users’ consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting held on Thursday. The committee has been formed to tackle issues pertaining to the city.

The officials of Central Railway (CR), headed by the new divisional railway manager, had to face a barrage of complaints from the commuter representatives at the divisional railway users’ consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting held on Thursday. The committee has been formed to tackle issues pertaining to the city.

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Some of the issues discussed in the three-hour meeting were unclean toilets, gap between train coaches and platforms and incomplete foot overbridges at several stations. The representatives also complained that the railway administration is slow in tackling their complaints.

“There is hardly any progress in the issues discussed in these meetings, which are held on a quarterly basis. For instance, the foot overbridge at Tilak Nagar and Parel has been pending for a long time,” said Yatin Salvi, member, DRUCC.

With the onset of monsoon, the administration has lifted the height of tracks at several locations, which are prone to flooding. However, the passengers representatives complained that this has resulted in an increase in the gap between the platform and the train coaches.

“At several stations, passengers can easily fall through the gap,” said Subhash Gupta, another member, DRUCC.

CR sources said they will increase the platform height at Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, Dombivli, Thakurli and Kalyan by November, this year.

“We also have a proposal for 10 new foot overbridges. Toilets will be constructed at three stations,” said a senior CR official on condition of anonymity.

The railway officials also discussed constructing a modular-type toilet at Dadar while stations of Vasind and Shahad will get toilet blocks on platforms.

The stations where overbridges work will be undertaken are at Sion, Kurla, Vikhroli, Kopar and Ambernath. “We will send the proposals which cost more that Rs1 crore to the railway board for permission,” said senior PRO of Central Railway, LM Maraskolhe.