Vaishnaw also spent some time at the suburban motorman and guard lobby, understanding their concerns about the operation of suburban trains, signals and other related aspects
File Photo
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid a suspense visit to Mumbai's one of the crowdest station - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Thursday and interacted with passengers and personnel, the railway officials said.
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The Union minister, who is in Mumbai as the BJP's observer for the Rajya Sabha election, spent a few hours inspecting the station premises, keeping railway officials on their toes in the afternoon. According to railway officials, it was the minister's maiden visit to the heritage building and the premises.
Vaishnaw inspected the heritage structure building's portico, the grand staircase, central dome and star chamber, where he was informed about the conservation and renovation work.
Speaking to the reporters, Vaishnaw said, "We will try to retain the heritage elements as much as possible. We will also focus on providing passenger amenities after the redevelopment of CSMT."
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While interacting with the passengers, the minister assured that Mumbai will get better AC local trains in the future.
He asked the passengers about cleanliness at suburban railway stations, comfort and security during train travel and other issues they faced, officials said.
Vaishnaw also spent some time at the suburban motorman and guard lobby, understanding their concerns about the operation of suburban trains, signals and other related aspects.
#Watch: Railway Minister #Ashwini #Vaishnaw at #Mumbai #CSMT station during his visit in #Mumbai @rajtoday @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia @WesternRly @Central_Railway #BMCElections pic.twitter.com/468oeJPrG6
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A motorman, who did not wish to be named, said they had requested the minister to change the existing rules about signal passing at danger (SPAD), for which they face penalty and urged him to consider it as signal overshooting if there was no derailment or train collision.
"We have requested the minister to shift AWS (auxiliary warning system, a warning system inside suburban trains to prevent accidents) magnets installed in tracks by around 50 meters, to prevent SPAD cases," the motorman said.
(with inputs from PTI)