Raise platforms at long-distance rly stations: Panel

After fatal accidents and several complaints about the gap between the train and platforms at suburban stations, commuter activists are now pointing to accidents at stations that cater to long-distance trains like Rajdhani and August Kranti start.

“It’s not only at suburban stations. The gap on long-distance platforms should also be reduced. There have been several instances of late, where travellers have been injured,” said Rajiv Singhal, a member of the Western Railway Mumbai Divisional Railway User’s Consultative Committee (DRUCC).

Singhal said there was a gap of nearly six inches — wide and high — that could make getting on and off trains unsafe for travellers carrying luggage. At some places, the platform edge is also broken, he said.

Kailash Verma, another DRUCC member from the WR Mumbai division said, “The railways could increase the height of only those platforms where long-distance trains halt, such as platform number 7 and 8 at Andheri; platform 6 and 6A at Borivli and at all Mumbai Central terminus platforms.” Commuters, too, have complained about the gap.

“Many long-distance passen gers miss the mid or lower leve footrest while boarding or alighting the long-distance trains. The railways should take note of this and raise the height,” said Rohit Shanbaug, a Borivli resident who travels to Gujarat regularly.

But Mukul Jain, the divi sional railway manager (DRM) Mumbai WR said, “Platform gap is an issue in suburban trains as there is only one foot rest. In long distance train, we have the mid-and-low-level footrests Passengers can use this to board or alight safely.”