The railways may be talking big as far projects are concerned, but a glance at a small 6 X 24-metre plot (the size of a 3BHK) in the north-east fringe of Borivli station along MG Road will give the powers-that-be a clear picture of what railways is up against.
Railways requires this plot to modify a track at the north-end of Borivli. Once the track is modified, suburban trains coming in from Virar wouldn't have to wait for 7-10 minutes, which they now do, during morning peak hours.
The gridlock, on for many years now, causes the loss of several lakh man-hours every year, apart from the immense frustration commuters packed inside each local experience.
What prevents railways from procuring the land?
The transfer of this land from BMC to Western Railway has been hanging fire since June last year, this despite WR promising BMC a plot of land (of the same size) further ahead. In fact, last June the railway ministry even sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to start preliminary work on the track-extension project. That money, however, has now lapsed (dna had first reported this issue in its June 25, 2013 edition).
"It's frustrating how in this city no government agency can ever be on the same table when it comes to transferring land. Even if it would solve the woes of millions of people, government agencies cannot seem to come to an agreement," said a senior WR official.
Why the plot is essential
As per WR's plan, the plot of land adjoining the railway boundary on the north-east of Borivli station can be used for extending track number 6, which currently ends hundred metres north of Borivli, and be given a connector – or crossover – with track number 5. Line 5 is used by fast trains coming into Borivli station from Virar-end. It also has a connector with Line 3 further north, which is used by slow trains coming in from Virar.
Extending track 6 and connecting it to Line 5 would allow trains to enter platform number 6 as well as the newly-built platform number 6A by crossing over multiple lines faster.
That will solve the problem of trains having to wait on Line 5, used by fast trains coming from Virar to Borivli, and also quicken the process of slow trains coming on Line 3 from Virar and then moving on to the fast line at platform number 5. During morning peak hours, a majority of train movements take place from Line 3 to 5, when they become fast trains from Borivli to Churchgate.
MP to meet officials
Mumbai North member of parliament Gopal Shetty of the BJP told dna that he would give another try to untangle this knot. "It's a simple issue involving inter-change of land between two agencies. I think the elections delayed the process. I will be meeting officials of BMC as well as WR on Nov 11 to expedite the transfer," said Shetty.
WR divisional railway manager Shailendra Kumar hoped the issue would be solved as quickly as possible. "It'll be a great relief to commuters, and that's what counts," Kumar said.
BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte did not respond to calls or messages on whether there was some technical issue that was delaying the transfer of land.
Advantages
Long-distance trains will be able to enter platforms 6 and 6A faster.
Will clear space for fast trains to enter platform number 5.
Will give a connector to Line 3 used by slow trains coming in from Virar.
Will in future allow WR to run more trains between Churchgate and Virar.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}