16 February,2009 07:31 AM IST | | Sanjeev Devasia
Technical consultants RITES, a public enterprise, and French firm Systra presented a techno-feasibility report on the Mumbai-Virar elevated two-track corridor project to Western Railway officials on Thursday.
The inception report mentions the study objectives that include an operationally efficient and feasible alignment that does not disturb existing train operations, integration of suburban stations with the new elevated platforms through common concourses, wherever feasible.
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The report also proposes retaining of existing platforms and tracks, and explores fewer and shorter traffic/power mega blocks on existing lines, and ensure that the new structures are non-intrusive to the city landscape.
The railway ministry had earlier made clear its preference for redeveloping existing stations into integrated stations wherein the existing platforms at the ground level would be refurbished, and a concourse would be set up at first-floor level and new platforms for elevated rail corridor would come up at the second-floor.
"The challenge for those conducting the study and for the railways will be to work out a way within the space presently available for operations," said a Railway official.
