18 December,2010 02:02 AM IST | | Vedika Chaubey
Western Railway has become more punctual of late, thanks to closing four level crossings during peak hours.
Two LC gates between Jogeshwari and Andheri, one between Jogeshwari and Goregaon and another at Vile
Parle are kept shut between 7 and 11.30 am and 5 and 10.30 pm.
As a result, the punctuality of the trains has increased from 90 to 96 per cent and the running delay has come down by 25 per cent. Earlier, 45 rakes used to get delayed at LC gates every day.
To reach maximum punctuality, the Western Railway authorities have written a letter to traffic department asking for the permanent closure of four level crossings
Content with the results, the WR authorities have now written a letter to traffic department asking for the permanent closure of these gates.
Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO, Western Railway, said, "We are trying to remove all LC gates and reach maximum punctuality.
We've also asked BMC and MMRDA to build more road over bridges (ROB) and foot over bridges (FOB) for facilitating traffic diversion and reduce trespassing."
Nandkumar Chougule, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said, "We are sending WR a reply, agreeing to their demands. We have studied the area and came to a conclusion that this is in the public interest."
Currently, LC gate at Vile Parle has been shut permanently but the gates at other three locations may take time, as there is no alternate route for the public to pass.u00a0
"Construction of two ROBs have been planned and the work will start soon. And when the construction work gets completed, we will also try to close those gates permanently," added Chandrayan.
90 %
Punctuality of trains before closing the gates
96 %
After the permanent closing of gates
