Post-Elphinstone, Highest-Ever Allocation for Bridges in Mumbai

Rs 880 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of foot-over-bridges on Western and Central Railways.

The Elphinstone foot-over-bridge stampede claimed 23 lives. 

(Photo: PTI)

In the first budget after the Elphinstone Road stampede in Mumbai, which claimed the lives of 23 people, the Western Railway has reportedly made the highest allocation for the foot-over-bridges in the city. Rs 880 crore has been sanctioned to construct new bridges, reported The Indian Express.

The allocation for the Western Railway, this year, stands at Rs 5,802 crore, which is 31 percent more than the previous year, while the Central Railway has received Rs 4,619 crore for the new projects and passenger services, reported PTI.

On 29 September, 23 people lost their lives in a stampede that broke out on a foot-over-bridge connecting Elphinstone and Parel stations in the city. The Indian Army was then roped in for the construction of a new bridge at the same station.

According to The Indian Express, Central Railway has received Rs 450 crore for constructing 42 bridges, while the Western Railway has received Rs 430 crore for 43 new bridges.

The allocated money will also be used for renovation of old bridges, including increasing height of platforms and betterment of platform shelters. WR General Manager A K Gupta said the budget has provided a bumper allocation for Mumbai suburban network so that long-awaited infrastructure projects can be taken up.

Earlier, we used to get about Rs 30-40 crore for bridges. We have got Rs 430 crore. We have received more than expected amount for adding amenities. In the earlier budgets, we would not receive allocation for bridges at certain railway stations. Now it is upon us to decide how many bridges could be constructed.

AK Gupta to the Indian Express

Speaking about the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-3A, CMD of MRVC, R S Khurana, said:

Under the MUTP-3A project, that has been approved by the Ministry, work on the fast elevated corridor between CSMT-Panvel on Harbour Line, new suburban corridor between Panvel-Virar, 5th and 6th lines between Borivali-Virar, procurement of 210 AC EMU rakes, 4th line between Kalyan-Asangaon etc, will be taken up.

He added that these projects will be taken up keeping in view the future requirements of commuters in the Mumbai metropolitan region for the next 20 years.

(With inputs from PTI, Indian Express)