World Bank team in city to review transport projects

A seven-member World Bank (WB) team on Monday began reviewing projects worth Rs. 5,300 crore under the second phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).

A seven-member World Bank (WB) team on Monday began reviewing projects worth Rs. 5,300 crore under the second phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).

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The MUTP–II aims at improving mass transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and includes improvement of stations, elevated corridor between CST and Panvel, laying additional lines and measures to improve commuter safety.

On top of the WB agenda is railway track deaths because of trespassing. The Railways have already identified 12 stations — Dadar, Kandivli, Borivli, Bhayander, Vasai, Nalasopara, Kurla, Kanjurmarg, Thane, Kalyan, Thakurli – where the number of deaths is alarming.

Students from JJ School of Architecture submitted a study on trespassing, with suggestions on how to curb the incidents at a projected cost of Rs. 90 crore. “Its main aim was to understand the reasons for trespassing to provide practical alternatives to passengers,” said Ravi Agrawal, chief public relations officer, Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation.

Among the recommendations in the study are putting up ramps, building FOBs, building RCC walls, green patches, and reorganising station space and barricading. “The team will visit Dadar and Kandivli to examine the practicalities of the suggestion on Tuesday,” Agrawal said.

Every year, around 3,500 people lose their lives on tracks. “As every year many people lose their lives, we plan to implement the suggestions made in the study and expect the WB to grant the loan for it,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

In the city for five days, the WB team will inspect the progress of various MUTP-II works and meet stakeholders. “At the meeting, we are also expected to discuss the financial module for the CST-Panvel elevated corridor,” the official said.