Jammed Vikhroli station gets more breathing space

A new skywalk landing, wider platform and a staircase for the railway foot overbridge are all part of the commuter benefits brought about by the freeing up of space at the Vikhroli station. In fact, the demolition of encroachments around the station area has been followed by work on a number of public amenities, aimed at lending better access to the station.

Residents supported by DNA had fought for removing encroachments at Vikhroli station.

“The landing of the new skywalk is also ready and the staricase of the railway bridge too will be moved away from the platform. The width of platform number one will also increase in the process.

The only problem is an old water pump room that is coming in the way,’’ an engineer at the site said.

The land has been cleared following a fight by local residents.
DNA had run a number of stories on the commuter protest at Vikhroli and their subsequent fight with authorities to get a footover bridge built.

Commuters at the station said they should complete the work fast.
“The water pump room has to be removed and once they do it, the station will get better access. There is no point keeping the room where it is as it is proving to be a hindrance to open access,” Suhasini Takey, a commuter who travels every day said. Railway engineers, at the site, however, were non-commital about removing the pump.

Following the death of commuters and the subsequent public outcry, the railways shut down the level-crossing and built a new bridge, but its access was restricted due to encroachments. The residents then took the battle to the supreme court and won the case.