Departmental procedures and inter agency delays has stalled the installation of escalator at Jogeshwari station for almost a year. At present, the K-west ward (Andheri, Jogeshwari) is awaiting its road department approval to allow the railways to set up the escalator in Jogeshwari west.
In February 2018, Western Railway (WR) took decision to install four escalators on the foot-over-bridge (FOB) after DNA published news on overcrowding. The report highlighted that space crunch and excessive height of the FOB could lead to an Elphinstone Road like incident. A total 23 people were killed and several others were injured after stampede in September 2017.
The height of the FOB is around 27 foot while its width is 1.5 metres on Borivali end, and that on Churchgate end it is 2.5 metres. As per the plan, three escalators are supposed to come on the north-end FOB and one on the south- end FOB.
Mansoor Darvesh, secretary, Passenger and Traffic Relief Association and an RTI applicant said that there is no development despite repeated follow up. "In December 2018, in an RTI reply, the WR were to complete the installation work of escalator on the east side by March 31, 2019," said Darvesh.
Prashant Gaikwad, assistant commissioner of K-west said that they have sent the proposal to the road department for approval. "A major portion of the footpath will be required for the escalator and at ward level, this decision cannot be taken," said Gaikwad. He added that the decision is likely to be taken in a fortnight.
Darvesh added that because long procedures, commuters are inconveniencing as they have to climb a 27 foot tall foot over bridge daily. He claimed to have been following up on the matter with BMC and the Railways since 2014. Ravindra Bhakar, chief public relation officer of WR said, "The work on escalator on the east side is going on, and by May end, it will be completed."
