For the first time in the Mumbai suburban section, the upcoming platform at Andheri station has been planned in such a way that it will not have any vending outlets like stalls, hawkers and even booking offices. Only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed passage to the platform. The booking offices can be reached through escalators.
This facility will be provided for the island platform no. 1, which is currently being reconstructed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) as part an extension of the harbour line from Andheri to Goregaon. Jogeshwari and Goregaon stations will follow the facility soon with the constructions underway. Hailing this decision, commuter Pramod Harlalka said, “Today, all platforms are packed with stalls and illegal hawkers. This move is like a gift to the commuters.”
The MRVC is the nodal agency for the extension of the harbour section upto Goregaon and has spent `103 crore for the upgrading of the rail infrastructure in the city. It is constructing three stations — Andheri, Jogeshwari, Goregaon — and expected to complete the project before April 2014. The MRVC is spending an amount of `20 crore for the makeover of Andheri station alone. “These stations will have top class facilities like escalators, elevators and multi-storied buildings. Commuters will surely experience a new level of comfort at these stations,” said Prabhat Ranjan, chief PRO, MRVC.
Ity Pandey, senior divisional commercial manager of the WR said, “Not having stalls on the platform does not mean that we are going to lose revenue. There will be nine stalls and six booking counters, on the upper side where passengers would be able to avail basic amenities like water, toilet etc.”
But Rajiv Single, an expert on railway issues says, “Basic facilities like water taps and urinals are a must-have on platforms, especially for women. These days, even the presence of security personnel on the platforms is extremely important.”