01 January,2022 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The new platform no. 1 will be used for slow train operations; (below) the entry to the FOB was found restricted
Two new platforms at Mumbra station, two new creek bridges, an incline, as well as the line till Diva station will be functional from this Monday. The two new platforms will be numbered platform one and two and will be used for slow trains. While the platforms are being prepared with all advanced amenities as per standard practice, local commuters pointed to the absence of escalators.
mid-day visited the station and found that preparations for installing passenger amenities such as tubelights, station indicators and markings and signage were on in full swing. "The new Mumbra platforms will lead to changes in the station's layout. The existing platform one will become platform three, the existing platform two will become platform four and both these old platforms will now be used for fast trains. The two new platforms will become platform one and platform two and will facilitate slow trains," a senior official said.
"Signage will be the most crucial part and I hope the authority pays attention to that. The orientation of the platform is changing, hence there is a need to have information displayed for commuters. It will take some time for people to get used to this layout," said Mohammed Rafique, a regular commuter. Local activist Nazim Ansari said, "Mumbra station has been waiting for escalators for quite some time and they need to be provided on an urgent basis as most other stations have them."
"The new platforms are away from the old platform, which was adjacent to the road. This means that passengers will now need to cross three lines and go across to platform one. Hence, people will need the escalator more urgently now," said Faisal Shaikh, another commuter.
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Railway officials said that the raw material for escalators had arrived at the station around two to three years ago, but there was a dispute regarding where the landing was initially proposed, and some citizens approached court. The matter has been pending since then. mid-day also found that the entry to the foot overbridge at the north-end was restricted, which needs to be opened before opening the new platforms for operation.
The new rail line has got a small incline, like Sandhurst Road. It runs on both the slow lines near the creek bridge and may slow down trains initially, leading to speed restrictions. Railway officials said once operations settle down and traffic is regularised, things will normalise.
3 Jan, 2022
Day the entire line till Diva station will be operational
