As ramps go, Western Railway sees drop in track-related deaths

The Western Railway is reaping the benefit of introducing longer local trains not just in terms of crowd management, but also drop in fatalities related to track crossing. Authorities say their decision to do away with ramps at both ends of platforms as part of the whole process is saving lives.

How were ramps being misused?
As WR went ahead with the extension of platforms to accommodate 12 -and 15-car locals, officials brainstormed on preventing people from crossing tracks. They realised ramps were being misused by commuters. The authorities say there is a severe space crunch at many stations. Officials say to beat the rush, a lot of commuters would make use of the ramps to cross over to other platforms.

Which were the stations?
Earlier, scores of commuters could be seen crossing tracks at Elphinstone Road, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira road, Bhayander, Vasai Road, Nalasopara and Virar. But the scene has changed, claim officials. 

What’s the positive change now?
With ramps gone, officials say, more and more people are desisting from crossing tracks. They say elderly commuters and women have stopped the practice as it becomes difficult for them to climb the platforms.

The increase in the height of platforms, aimed at reducing killer gaps between trains and platforms, is another factor that making it difficult for people to cross tracks. This has led to drop in the number of mishaps related to track crossing, they say.

Ramps irrelevant at suburban stns
Sharat Chandrayan, chief spokesperson WR said, “Ramps were made to ferry luggage trolleys from one platform to another. The ramps are irrelevant at suburban stations as there is nothing to carry towards local trains. There are ramps at terminus stations like Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra terminus and Vasai Road where they are needed the most.”