CHENNAI: The widening work of foot overbridge at Egmore has raised concerns over the safety of suburban passengers as the Railways is planning to reduce the width of the stairs during expansion works without any alternative arrangements for transit of passengers.
While the Railway Board norms mandate that stairs of foot overbridge in A1 stations (also called NSG 1) have six metres width, the suburban station foot overbridge at Egmore has a width of only about three metres.
After a prolonged delay, the foot overbridge widening works at platforms 10 and 11 in Egmore commenced last year. As part of the works, the Railways has erected the pillars on both sides of the existing foot overbridge. During the widening works, the width of stairs is expected to get reduced to 2.5 metres and lesser, according to official sources.
The regular suburban commuters have expressed displeasure over the move as it may cause lot of inconvenience to them.
R Kumar of Choolaimedu, a regular rail commuter in a mail sent to Express, recalled the ordeal faced by women passengers during widening of the Nungambakkam foot overbridge. “During rush hour, it took nearly 10 to 15 minutes for passengers to climb the stairs of the foot overbridge. Women were groped in huge crowd. Jewels and money were also robbed. Climbing of stairs with a handful of luggage became a nightmare in the crowd. The Railways must make necessary alternative before trimming the stairs,” he said
S Kumaraja of All India Rail Passengers Association said suburban platforms handled more than 70,000 passengers a day and any confusion among the passengers may lead to stampede. “Not more than 20 passengers can transit comfortably if the width is reduced. Sometimes, about 300 to 350 passengers get down from trains on both sides during rush hour. Passengers who rush to catch local trains also may hinder the movement in stairs,” he added.
Official railway sources said possibilities of providing double discharge at platform 11 were being explored so as to reduce the congestion at foot overbridge. However, a section of railway officials allegedly have not favoured the decision.
However, S C Chezhiyan, a retired official from the construction wing of the Southern Railway, said passengers should cooperate with the Railways and bear with minor inconvenience for larger good.
“As of now, it is not feasible to build a subway at the Egmore station. Passengers can use the foot overbridge at Tambaram end,” he added.
When contacted Chennai division officials assured that necessary measures would be taken to ensure passenger safety during bridge construction.
Norms not followed?
Railway Board norms mandate that FOBs at A1 stations have six metres’ width
FOB in Egmore has only 3.5-metre width
During expansion works, width may get reduced to 2.5 metres
The narrow stairs may lead to stampede, say commuters