NO FOOT OVERBRIDGE BETWEEN MANKURD-GOVANDI RAILWAY STATION
Izaz Ansari, 7th July
Maqbool Ansari, 21, a college boy daily boards the local train from Mankhurd Railway Station which is in Harbour Railway (HR) to reach his college. After leaving his residence area he reaches station after walking on the tracks for five minutes, as there is no proper foot over bridge (FOB) between Mankhurd -Govandi Railway Station. He always keeps an eye on the passing by train while crossing the track. He uses the track not to reach the station fast but due to no alternative other than that.
This is a very common story for all the residents of Mankhurd who reside in Hiranandani Akruti Compound (HNA) and Govandi village. All have to risk their lives and cross the track as there is no foot over bridges to cross the tracks. One of the daily commuters, Rajesh Nadar said, “What to do? We have to any how reach the station on time and this is the quickest and shortest way to reach.” Every one residing at HNA takes the same path risking their lives.
There is a FOB between both the stations. But, it is in a condition which cannot be used. There is broken ladder in the bridge. When asked to the Railway authority of Mankhurd station, they replied,” We have witnessed many accidents. Recently one and half month ago two kids died in accident while crossing the track. And At a span of 15 days you can find a dead body of a street dog thrashed against the tracks. The rainy season worsens these conditions. But it is not us who are to blame. Higher Railway authority and BMC should think about it for the safety of the people”.
“There is a Municipal school near by the track and it becomes messy in the Morning, noon and evening when the students cross the track with their parents. It is very risky” said Anwari Begum, one of the daily commutes and resident of HNA. Few Residents had talked to the area BMC head, but response from him is still to come. When approached to the Railway authority, they said, “We have officially forward a letter to BMC office. But a response is still to come from their officials”. When contacted to one of the BMC officials, he said, “We know the seriousness, but instead of making a FOB the existing FOB will be repaired”. In the meanwhile the commuters have to suffer and risk their lives every day while crossing the tracks to reach their destination.