Mumbai: Here’s how we can have world class stations: NGO shows Railways

A citybased NGO known as lsquoThe Walking Projectrsquo dedicated to creating a pedestrianfriendly environment in the city and ensuring safe convenient and joyful walking experiences has submitted a comprehensive proposal to Central Railway The proposal contains a series of suggestions aimed at enhancing Mumbairsquos railway stations as part of the Amrit Bharat schemeThe initiative by Central Railway aims to upgrade and modernise 76 railway stations across the region The railways had invited input from the public to contribute ideas for the design and feel of these stations On August 6 the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for the first phase at three suburban stations Parel Vikhroli and KanjurmargVedant Mhatre the programme manager of lsquoThe Walking Projectrsquo emphasised the importance of transportation in the cityrsquos mobility sustainability and walkability He stated ldquoIn our suggestions we have taken up pivotal areas of improvement for rail stations encompassing signage sustainability technological interventions safety measures and aesthetics The recommendations presented are the result of collaborative input from citizens passenger advocates and transportation expertsrdquo The suggestions are organised into five distinct categories signage standardisation sustainability initiatives technological interventions safety measures and aesthetics amp auraMhatre further detailed the proposals ldquoWe propose a uniform signage approach to guide passengers intuitively without assistance and have suggested standardising and decluttering platform signage For sustainability we have proposed integrating solar panels on platform roofs installing EV charging facilities in parking lots and designating space for bicycles for lastmile connectivity Technological advancements include upgrading PA systems increasing ticket machines and strategically placing ticket QR codesrdquoDesign of station building to be inspired by local culture heritage and architecture Representation picsHe continued ldquoThe fourth aspect is safety which is paramount Addressing platform height concerns improving camera coverage around ladiesrsquo coaches maintaining sstactile flooring continuity and settling on a universal international standard for tactile floors for the blind Currently both WR amp CR use different materials causing confusion and introduce sheltered waiting areas The last but not least is about aesthetics amp aura Aesthetics play a crucial role in shaping the commuter mood and station perception towards the city We propose exploring taller roofs to create a more spacious feeling amp roomy atmosphere on platforms and ensuring colour consistency in roofing materialrdquoAlso readMumbai Two teens held for posting clip about Pak Independence DayMhatre expressed his belief that these suggestions could transform rail stations into efficient sustainable and allinclusive hubs that cater to the diverse needs of commuters thereby elevating the overall commuting experience in MumbaiRailway officials welcomed the suggestions pledging to carefully review each proposal An official stated ldquoThe work of upgrading to Amrit Bharat stations involves preparation of master plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access circulating areas waiting halls toilets liftsescalators as necessary cleanliness free WiFi kiosks for local products through schemes like lsquoOne Station One Productrsquo better passenger information systems The scheme also envisages improvement of building integrating the station with both sides of the city multimodal integration and lsquoRoof Plazasrsquo as per necessity phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long termrdquo76No of stations to be upgraded