Alarmed at the unprecedented number of deaths on tracks, the WB in June this year had asked the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) in the city to undertake a study on the issue under MUTP.
A study that the World Bank (WB) had suggested to undertake on the Mumbai suburban railways for reduction of trespassing and improvement of safety on the tracks is expected to highlight more hot spots like Vikhroli, where the number of deaths due to crossing of tracks is high.
Alarmed at the unprecedented number of deaths on tracks, the WB in June this year had asked the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) in the city to undertake a study on the issue under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).
“This study will suggest remedial measures,” said WB spokesperson Sudip Mozumder. “This study is expected to offer solutions to many high-risk spots like Vikhroli. MRVC is in the process of engaging an agency to do the study,” he added.
Till September 30, 2,729 commuters have died in rail accidents and more than 3,023 have been injured.
Activists said that besides increasing carrying capacity, the railways also need to improve medical facilities, like ambulances,
dedicated funds and prompt connectivity to nearest hospitals.
“Often, victims lies unattended while authorities complete formalities,” said activist Samir Zaveri, who filed a PIL in court over the issue. Zaveri had lost both legs in a train accident a few years ago.
Meanwhile, municipal commissioner Swadhin Kshatriya on Wednesday said the BMC is ready to construct a bridge at the Vikhroli crossing, after the death of four people on the tracks on Sunday.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had abandoned the project after a survey by a consultant earlier.
Kshatriya said, “The bridge portion, which falls on railway premises, would be constructed by either by the BMC or the railway. That issue will be sorted out in a meeting with rail officials,” he said.
(With inputs from Pandurang Mhaske)
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