Citizens shouldn’t have to beg for a vital amenity

Commuters at Grant Road station hold up letters asking for escalators. Pic/Atul Kamble

Grant Road locals and people in the SoBo area are requesting that escalators be installed at the vital station on the Western line. This paper featured a news report stating how a number of Grant Road area-specific organisations working for people have sent letters to the station master, citing the need for escalators at the railway station.

The letters have a common thread running through - escalators are needed at a space which sees heavy footfall. If so many stations across the megapolis now have at least two escalators, why the stepmotherly treatment to Grant Road? Locals pushing for escalators point in particular to senior citizens, pregnant women, physically challenged who struggle through the high stairs to get to the other side. Neither the eastern nor the western side does has an escalator.

While the Railways has promised escalators and stated that an elevator has also been planned, residents and daily users will be assured only when they see work start or there is a definite timeline given for work completion.

One must see that public infra is equal. Unless the stations are designed in such a way that there is no space for escalators, the Railways must install escalators at all the stations and elevators too when possible. These are needed by a certain demographic. They can ease travel and add to quality of life. Most commuters spoke out about work stress and the stress of having to climb those stairs for their commutes seemed to play a significant part in their lives. They were especially distressed having to take their old parents to the suburbs as that would entail the silver-haired set having to ascend a substantial number of steps. A heart patient also spoke out in the report of having no option but to take the train and having to climb stairs as a result.

The Railways has assured that work will begin on the facilities very soon. We hope that comes to fruition.