This edit space has urged Railways to consider constructing FOBs at certain spots and repair them in double quick time if needed
Built post the 2017 stampede, the Army-constructed FOB at Prabhadevi is now underused and partly encroached by vendors. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar
In an extensive report, this newspaper shed light on the existence of redundant railway foot overbridges (FOBs) across the city and provided solutions to ensure that these structures are used for what they were made — walking.
This edit space has urged Railways to consider constructing FOBs at certain spots and repair them in double quick time if needed.
We have also advocated the usage of FOBs, telling pedestrians that these are the ‘safe spaces’ within the tumultuous and frantic crush of a railway station and urging them to be wise enough to use them, rather than be foolhardy and try to cross tracks.
Yet, if so many FOBs are not being used due to reasons such as impractical location, lack of proper connectivity and good maintenance, railway authorities have to look and start figuring out how to remedy
the situation.
Listen to commuters who are saying that signage has to be improved. It needs to be made clear where passengers can alight and where they are going, as commuters often wonder which platform they will end up on.
Another valid argument is that FOBs are only built to end on railway land rather than take the commuter to areas outside the station, to a useful, need-to-visit destination. That is done to avoid bureaucratic wrangles with various agencies, but a FOB that does take the commuter outside will be very useful.
Finally, there is merit in commuter complaints that some FOBs are so high that many people, especially senior citizens, simply cannot climb that many stairs. Commuters burdened by heavy bags may even actively avoid them. It is apparent that great coordination and vision is needed when it comes to FOBs. It is a commuter facility which should be easy to use; that is the bottom line.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
