Take user comfort to next level with station revamps

This picture has been used for representational purpose

It is facelift time for Mumbai's lifeline as the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (ISRDC) along with other agencies has started working on redeveloping train stations across the city. The first comprehensive makeover will be at Andheri station. The Western suburban hub sees extremely dense commuter traffic, though pandemic guidelines have put the brakes on that temporarily.

Plans for a concourse, greater last-mile connectivity, foot overbridges (FOBs) are all part of the station revamp plans. As we go along, we will see how the entire plan unfolds and we have hopefully, a new-age station that makes commuting much more comfortable. When we undertake these facelifts, they also improve the overall mental and physical health of the lakhs that use this facility every single day.

The planners must factor in adequate trash disposal facilities, good roofs on the platforms so that water does not seep through in the rains, better staircases on the foot overbridges and railings that are not broken and comfortable enough to hold on to. We need an accent on safety as much as aesthetics that work to make this an upgradation that is both practical and pleasing to the eye. Stress of course should be on deadlines and work going on concurrently with all the rush at the stations once restrictions lift in time as the outbreak runs its course.

While general points are true for all stations, commuters have a responsibility to keep it that way. Respect for amenities, using them with care, not defacing benches, walls, railings, breaking lights are the onus of those who use the trains. This is the people's part of the bargain. Let us remember transformation is for the people but keeping it that way is on the people too. Action stations, Mumbai.