Liberty Equity Sustainability

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Suburban train travel has become a hell of a lot of a problem for commuters

in Mumbai. Crush hour capacity crowd and its fall-out seem to be defying all possible solutions. Death due to falling off from trains, electrocution of people traveling on roof-tops of trains, delays, unpunctuality, cancellations etc. have become almost everyday problems.

Mumbai’s infrastructure is bursting at its seams. Flyovers, sea links, metros and other attempted solutions are yet to ease the sufferings of the commuters.

From nine coach to twelve and now fifteen coach trains are being thought of as possible solutions. But the magnitude of the commuters calls for more.

Here is the answer to all the Western Railway Suburban commuter’s problems: The loop solution.

Take over the three properties adjacent to the Churchgate Railway station, namely, the Wankhede Stadium, the University Stadium and the BHA Stadium, put these spaces to use for public utility, the much needed Suburban rail transport for lakhs of Commuters. Sports lovers please wait!

Provide a loop for the South-bound train (a) arriving at platform number 2 and let it wait at the extended elevated station that could be built as shown in the diagram. Train b can reach platform number 1. Train c can now reach and wait at platform number 2. The clearance of these trains towards the north can be synchronized in the same order. Train a to leave first via the loop, train b next and c last.

This loop solution means clearance of trains will be fast and more services can be added.

Similarly, at the northern end, like Oshiwara, a loop could be given to facilitate the south-bound trains. Beyond Borivali, Mira road and Virar, similar loops can be provided.

For the fast tracks, underground loop solution can be given using a part of the Cross Maidan behind the Western Railway office, thus keeping the view of the heritage building intact.

The benefit of quick clearance of trains at both ends means that more services can be introduced which will surely reduce the peak hour woes. Air Conditioned train services can be introduced which can take a large number of cars off the road. Road travel will hence be less time-consuming and less stressful. The benefits can be manifold. Experts on the subject can work around this concept of loops achieving both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the design.

As for cricket lovers, either the Brabourne Stadium can be put to use more frequently or an alternate stadium can be built within the Aarey Milk Colony of the size suitable to cricket lovers in Mumbai. The Government of Maharashtra can lease the land for the alternate Stadium. Trees can be transplanted around the stadium through appropriate planning without much damage to the surrounding greenery.

For hockey lovers, a similar provision can be made at a suitable place within Mumbai. The University Sports Ground can be shifted to Kalina as few sporting activities go on presently on this ground throughout the year.

This out-of-the-box idea may shake up many. But concerted effort, political will and a demanding citizen’s call will surely make a difference to Mumbai and the Commuting economic agents in this financial capital.

Elevated AC travel for high-speed trains will surely come at a price. Tracks for high speed trains, it has been reported, would cost around 30000 crores and the travel cost would be around Rs. 5 for a Km.

I think the loop will mitigate the travel woes in Mumbai at a lesser outlay.

The loop is the magic wand, let us wave it!!