Mumbai: South-end FOB to Dadar to remain shut from today

The already chaotic Dadar Railway Station could turn worse, especially after Tuesday. The Western Railway will be shutting the foot over bridge (FOB) at the southern end on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The FOB is being shut as it is unsafe for use.

Newly appointed BMC Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi and Western Railway General Manager AK Gupta held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the condition of bridges, the need for monsoon preparedness, and other issues gnawing at the city's well-being.

To begin with, the WR authorities have put up a poster about the FOB calling it unsafe. The poster reads, "Since the bridge is unsafe, it will be shut for public use from May 14. People are requested to use the other bridges." The date of reopening this bridge has not been declared yet.

This FOB is the first bridge on the southern end while going towards Churchgate. Earlier, there was a ticket booking counter on its eastern end, but it has now been shut. Apart from all five platforms, the FOB is also connected to the widest 12-meter FOB.

The development comes after the audit report of IIT-Bombay which stated the bridge's structure was unsound and recommended it to be shut. "The existing old South FOB at Dadar Station will be closed from May 14 on a conditional basis for the safety of passengers. Commuters can use the other four FOBs at Dadar Station," said Ravinder Bhakar, CPRO, WR.

The 6.5-metre-wide iron bridge was constructed in 1993; it is heavily corroded and unfit to carry heavy loads. However, senior officials said it is a crucial bridge and its closure will lead to overcrowding on the platforms and other bridges at Dadar station. Its closure will now put pressure on the main FOB alongside it.

Meanwhile, at the joint meeting that was held on May 14, issues pertaining to cleaning of stormwater drains, dumping of garbage near/on railway tracks, shifting of overhead water pipeline, issues related to FOBs/ROBs, issues of various pending payments especially water bills and other assistance from MCGM were discussed.

Bhakar stated that one of the major issues raised by Railway which discussed in length was regarding dumping of garbage near/on railway track. It is seen that solid waste and garbage was strewn into railway premises at various locations which choked up the drains, culverts and hindered smooth flow of storm water resulting in flooding of tracks. Municipal Commissioner issued necessary instructions for Solid Waste Disposal and instructed for additional Clean Up Marshalls to be deputed to keep a check on such misconduct.

Gupta - General Manager of W. Rly also raised up the issue of immediate removal of dead load from ROBs. It was brought to the notice of the Municipal Commissioner that there are many ROBs/FOBs and other overhead structures belonging to the MCGM on the Churchgate – Dahisar section which provides East – West connectivity.

During the course of inspection, it was seen that several structural changes on these bridges, like paver blocks laid, cables, water pipelines, etc. increased the dead load. Accordingly, the BMC has been requested to remove such dead loads immediately and also requested for speedy disbursal of Deposit funds for the maintenance as well as repairs of the Railway portion of these bridges.

Authorities Take Stock 

• Newly appointed BMC Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi & WR General Manager AK Gupta held a meet on Tue to discuss the condition of bridges 
• The bridge is heavily corroded and unsafe for use. The dvpt comes after IIT-B’s report. Date to reopen the FOB has not yet been declared