7 new FOBs to curb deaths on Western Railway lines
Locations have been identified by the authorities last week
The railways are not just constructing new foot over bridges (FOBs) at railway stations but also between two railways stations to curb trespassing and deaths on tracks. The Western Railway (WR) has identified seven new locations where FOBs would be constructed between two railway stations.
Sources privy to the information said that the locations were identified and discussed at a meeting last week by the WR authorities. The sources said that the new FOBs would be between the following railway stations – Mahalaxmi-Lower Parel, Matunga Road-Mahim, Bandra-Khar, Vile Parle-Andheri, Jogeshwari-Goregaon, Kandivali-Borivali and Bhayander-Nallasopara.
“These are the mid-sections where FOBs will be built as part of trespass control measures. It is under planning stage and work is yet to begin,” said a WR official on the condition of anonymity. The locations are spots where a number of deaths due to crossing tracks were reported.
According to figures collated by the Railway Police in 2018, there have been 1,048 deaths on WR and 1,429 people suffered injuries. Of these 597 people died while crossing railway tracks and 116 were injured for the same reason. The trespassing deaths on rail track contribute to over 65 per cent.
Meanwhile, the WR discussed the progress of 76 FOBs built on their suburban network between Churchgate and Virar which includes these 7 FOBs on the mid-section. WR officials said they have already completed work on 30 FOBs while rest are underway at various stages.
ALL’S NOT WELL
- Details like the width of FOB, cost and precise alignment has not been decided as yet. However, WR officials said that the average width of the FOB would be 4-6 metre and the cost would be around Rs 10 crore
- Railway Police say that 1,048 people have died on WR in 2018. Also, 1,429 sustained injuries. Of these, 597 people later died