Western Railway (WR), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) are exploring the construction of a new 12-metre-wide foot overbridge (FOB) at Prabhadevi railway station to manage increasing pedestrian congestion.
The proposed bridge is being considered on the down or Borivali side of the station and would provide commuters with an additional route, reducing pressure on the existing FOB. The proposal was reviewed during a joint inspection after repeated complaints and videos showing overcrowding, limited entry and exit points and congestion in the station area.
The exact location of the proposed FOB is yet to be finalised. Officials said the decision would depend on land availability, passenger movement and other technical considerations.
The proposal had previously been discussed after WR suggested constructing an FOB with a staircase and lift on the western side using BMC land. However, the civic body had not agreed to the plan at that stage.
The dismantling of the Carol Road Over Bridge (ROB) has now increased pedestrian movement in the area, making additional infrastructure more urgent.
A WR official, who requested anonymity, said, “After the dismantling of the Carol ROB, heavy pedestrian movement and increased passenger congestion have been observed on the existing FOB.”
According to officials, the BMC has agreed in principle to examine the proposal, with both agencies expected to identify a suitable site.
Existing FOB to Get Wider
Alongside the proposed new bridge, the existing FOB is also being modified. A portion of a public toilet block has been demolished to create additional space for widening the bridge. Three of its six toilets have been removed, while alternative facilities have been provided.
“The toilet demolition was necessary as this will help widen the present FOB for the daily commute, especially during peak hours, as overcrowding will not happen at the FOB,” the BMC official said.
WR is also expected to add another staircase to the existing FOB, which currently relies on one staircase for both entry and exit.
“WR will add one more leg to the present FOB, which will further make crowd management easier, as the crowd will get an alternative set of stairs for exit and entry,” the official said.
The BMC will simultaneously improve roads and footpaths around the station, fill potholes, remove abandoned vehicles and undertake cleaning and resurfacing works.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
