Railway authorities say water may flow down on tracks next to the ground during monsoons, leading to waterlogging; university says not to worry
Monsoons bring with it respite from heat and fear of waterlogged streets. Selected spots on railway tracks also fall prey to the waterlogging menace. This year, Western Railway (WR) officials fear that the stretch between Churchgate and Marine Lines station might get affected during a heavy downpour.
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Over the years, the WR authorities have managed to ply trains with minimum delay on the Churchgate-Virar stretch. Some prominent spots where waterlogging occurs are near Charni Road, Elphinstone Road, Bandra, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Goregaon and Vasai Road, among others. This year, however, the WR officials fear that there could be water logging in the southern-most stations on the WR’s suburban section.
The renovation work in progress at the university ground between Marine Lines and Churchgate is worrying the Western Railway authorities. Pics/Sayed Sameer Abedi
The reason of their fear is a playground belonging to Mumbai University that is undergoing renovation since the past few months. The work, according to WR officials, could cause water logging on the tracks that run parallel to the ground, next to Wankhede Stadium. “The ground seems to be a little elevated than the rail tracks that run adjacent to it. During monsoons, water might flow onto the rail tracks from the ground during a heavy downpour,” said a WR official.u00a0
The ground and tracks are fenced by a cement wall at the base, with a metal spiked fence over it. Railway officials also claim that in the last few days, a lot of soil has been dumped on the ground resulting in a raised level. “We have sent a letter to the Mumbai University asking them to complete the work soon,” said a WR official. “The drains crisscrossing the tracks and ground too have been filled with soil.
”However, the officials from Mumbai University claim that the WR authorities are panicking for no reason. u00a0“We will be completing the work on this ground by April-end. There wouldn’t be any problems of waterlogging as we are creating a drainage system which will be sufficient,” said Dr Naresh Chandra, pro-vice-chancellor, Mumbai University.
After the renovation of the ground is complete, there will be synthetic tracks meant for athletes competing in events ranging from 100-metre to 400-metre races. Apart from this, they are also levelling the ground for other outdoor sports. The seating arrangement too is being improved.u00a0
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