CR’s quick-fix solution: Makeshift bamboo roof at Thane station

The Central Railway has assembled a makeshift roof over the extended portion of platform 5 at Thane railway station

Since a permanent roof on the extended platform five at Thane railway station is taking some time to materialise, Central Railway has installe a make shift roof during the monsoon season. The makeshift roof has been put together using bamboo sticks, steel bars and durable plastic sheets.

In its June 3 edition, mid-day had highlighted the concerns expressed by the commuters about the lack of roof over the extended portion of the platform. "The rains are not here in full swing otherwise it would have been a wet entry and exit while getting into or getting out of the train.

The Railways should, however, come up with a permanent solution soon," said Ravikant Deshpande, a commuter from Naupada, Thane. "The temporary solution looks weak as it should withstand rains and heavy winds. We hope the Railways will monitor it throughout the monsoon so that it does not become a safety hazard for commuters," said Devang Vora, a commuter.

"Why was the roof not built earlier if the Railways knew they wanted to extend the platform?" questioned Sharmila Rajgor, also a commuter. "Practically, there was no way to build a roof before the platform was extended as there were live overhead wires with 25 kV power supply," a senior official said. "The extension of the platform surface and alignment of the overhead wires were achieved in two days," the official said.

"The existing roof support would not be able to take the additional load of the extended roof and a new support with foundations would have to be erected to avoid any repeat like the Ghatkopar billboard case. Work is under process to build a new permanent roof, but till then, we have set up a temporary structure for the roof and it will be closely monitored," said the official.