Source :TOI
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2009/09/07&PageLabel=9&EntityId=Ar00900&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T


Yogesh Naik I TNN


Mumbai: Travelling by airconditioned locals may be a distant dream, but the suburban commuter can look forward to air cooled rakes. According to a senior state urban development (UD) department official, a proposal to this effect will be put before the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) on September 18.
A team of state UD officials, led by Principal Secretary T C Benjamin and MRVC managing director P C Sehgal, visited the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur on Friday and Saturday. They pointed out lacunas in the new rakes too. During the discussions, railway board member (electrical) V K Dutt mooted the idea of aircooled trains and Benjamin pressed for it.
Earlier, the then secretary (special projects) Sanjay Ubale had repeatedly called for the introduction of air conditioned locals, but the railway board turned down the proposal. “A new 12 coach EMU costs Rs 27 crore and the cost of aircooling each coach is Rs 40 lakh. Aircooled rakes will result in greater comfort levels for the commuters,’’ said a senior state UD official.
Mumbai receives new rakes under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), 40% of which is funded by the World Bank. The rest is shared equally by railways and the state government. “We are sure that the World Bank will not say no to increased costs. In fact, some members of the World Bank mission had been insisting on AC rakes,’’ said the official.
Currently, the rakes have blowers which have helped bring down the temperature by 2 degrees, said Sehgal.
The state and the MRVC also had a slew of complaints for the ICF. The state UD officials said that the paint of these local trains fades fast and gives it a old look. Following this, the ICF has agreed to use a new technology for maintaining the shine. The officials also pointed out that the blowers installed in the new rakes leak during the monsoon. The ICF officials were told that the seating arrangement in the first class compartments was very uncomfortable.
Under the MUTP, Mumbai will get 129 new rakes. Of these, 68 have already arrived and another 29 are expected by March 2010. The ICF has increased its rake-producing capacity from four to six. “Due to this, we donated a cheque of Rs one lakh for the employees welfare fund,’’ said a state government official.
The UD and MRVC delegation also told the ICF to have anti-skid PVC flooring for the new rakes. The ICF has been asked to use stainless steel in rakes instead of cotton steel.

WR coughs up Rs 2.5 cr extra for swanky rakes

MUMBAI
: The new Siemens rakes seem to cost the railways
dear.

Besides the earmarked Rs 20 crore, the Western Railway has been forced to shell out another Rs 2.5 crore to change the 500 faulty traction motors of 31 new trains. The cost included that of overhead wires and the wages of labourers employed per hour at WR'S Mumbai Central, Kandivli and Mahalaxmi car sheds, officials said.

The motors in the swanky hi-tech white and purple MRVC-Siemens trains started failing a few months after being introduced in late 2007, contributing to several delays over the past few months.

WR officials said the replacement of one motor cost Rs 50,000. "Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation, which is coordinating the procurement of new rakes, has asked about the cost. We estimate the amount to be around Rs 50,000 for each motor,'' an official said. Each train has 16 motors and 31 trains had to go in for a overhaul, leading to an expenditure of about Rs 2.5 crore.

It takes three-four days for the traction motors to be replaced. "Each train was pulled out of service and taken to the car shed; the lower part of a compartment is taken apart, the old motor is removed and the modified one is installed. The rake was tested before sending to the field again,'' the official said. The technical monitoring and quality check were done by Siemens, he added.

Officials told TOI that Siemens had said the motors failed because of Mumbai's bumpy track terrain. But WR officials added Siemens had visited the city several times to check the working conditions before bringing in the new rakes.

"There have been plenty of traction motor failures, which have held up services and affected punctuality. All the motors have been changed now and we hope the problem will not recur,'' another official said.

Source: Times of India

crap! Siemens holding WR to ransom. They should be barred from future contracts.

12-coach Mumbai Local

video by Tandelbaba

nEn5Uy2kICw

Trains look dirty....they should either clean them often or paint them the color of dust

Trains look dirty....they should either clean them often or paint them the color of dust

:lol:

At 0:05, is someone getting a free ride in the motorman's cabin?

And at the end, people start crossing tracks. Put a metal railing connected to some power source. Let them get electrocuted when they try to jump over them. That's how much pissed I am. There are laws, but when people don't want to follow it, let them pay for it.

^^ When I was there, I read some article about starting to fine people for crossing tracks, they should also add the electrified third rail for the extra zing, if you know what I mean. ;)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4473/14092009002012.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/14092009002012.jpg/)


Source: Hindustan Times

^^
Sad .. This is how our goverment officials operate . The agencies suddenly decides to go on strike and there was no backup plan !!! Also Indian Railways should do something to avoid people getting on the railway tracks .

Source : Hindustan Times

You could take local to Dahanu (http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai/You-could-take-local-to-Dahanu/Article1-453313.aspx)

Mumbai’s rail development agency expects to complete work between Virar and Dahanu Road by December – a crucial connection that could fuel growth in a string of townships dotting the city’s northern suburbs.

Once the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is done with this stretch, the Western Railway (WR) can start direct suburban local train services up to Dahanu Road, which will help develop its surrounding areas in Thane district.

It would also mean more real estate options for those planning to buy a house in the suburbs as vast tracts of land are still vacant between Virar and Dahanu.

As of now, an average of nearly 77000 commuters travel the 63.8 km from Dahanu Road to Mumbai every day in shuttle services via Virar.

Once work on this stretch finishes, the number of people commuting on this route is expected to rise by 6 per cent, following the strengthening of the real estate markets there.

“Once this stretch is completed, people now living in Vasai can migrate to places beyond Virar, both to work and to live in cheaper, better houses. This will also reduce congestion in existing areas,” said Prakash Rao, chief PRO, MRVC.

A low-cost housing project is underway at Boisar, a steel industry hub. Kelwe has huge tracts of farmland and beach that employs hundreds in the local fishing industry.

Dahanu houses power and ancillary plants, while Palghar has small-scale industries.

Work on this stretch has stopped due to the monsoon, but is expected to resume from September-end.

“We are awaiting permission from WR to allow us to restart work on this stretch. Work is expected to be complete by December if everything goes as planned,” said as senior MRVC official on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“Work was stopped due to rain but we are ready to cooperate in every way to get things back on schedule,” said S Gupta, chief PRO, WR. The MRVC’s earlier deadline for the roughly Rs 40-crore project was June, but that has come and gone.

As of now, Electric Multiple Units or local trains, run till Virar, beyond which Diesel Multiple Units or shuttle trains ply.

The width between tracks for local trains is about 12 ft while that beyond Virar is 10 ft. This gap has to be widened apart from constructing new platforms, roofs and other infrastructure. Local trains are faster than diesel-run shuttle services.

nice

Now when they say Dahanu Rd, how far are they going? Is it around Kety Nagar/Jawhar Rd? I have a fear that the Mumbai city limits will extend as far as the local trains do, and in turn, this entire area will be enveloped into the general urban area. Am I right?

damn! I didnt realize this before but Dahanu is as far away as Pune is from Mumbai. Imagine local trains all the way till there!

With this and DMIC, we could see a non-stop urban environment from Mumbai all the way to Ahmedabad potentially!

Hopefully this would lead to development of those areas and start populating and reduce the pressure of the mainland city. Well when they do this, I hope over the years the frequency and the number of stations increase as well.

^^ But hopefully not to the point that these become urban areas in themselves. At the same time, these areas should develop separately from Mumbai.

damn! I didnt realize this before but Dahanu is as far away as Pune is from Mumbai. Imagine local trains all the way till there!

With this and DMIC, we could see a non-stop urban environment from Mumbai all the way to Ahmedabad potentially!

pune to ahmedabad

damn! I didnt realize this before but Dahanu is as far away as Pune is from Mumbai. Imagine local trains all the way till there!

With this and DMIC, we could see a non-stop urban environment from Mumbai all the way to Ahmedabad potentially!

Do you really want to see a concrete jungle all through the northern Konkan coastline?

the key point in question is can these cities develop employment on their own?

ie have their own offices etc.

no point building upto dahanu only for people to come to work in mumbai

the key point in question is can these cities develop employment on their own?

ie have their own offices etc.

no point building upto dahanu only for people to come to work in mumbai

Unless you expect a chaprasi or chaiwala or bus driver to either live in a slum or multi-crore apartment this is what you will have to allow. The lower rung staff in any office can barely afford a proper accomodation in Mumbai. Where do you think they will come from? Can't get so protectionist about city jobs.

Roana Maria Costa | TNN


Mumbai: Central Railway plans a focused marketing strategy to popularise automatic vending ticket machines (ATVMs), which have seen a lukewarm response since their introduction in 2007.
Smart card sales currently stand at around 21,000, amounting to Rs 2.6 lakh per day. Since the first ATVM was installed at CST on November 15, 2007, more than 1.1 crore smart cards have been sold, amounting to Rs 14 crore. CR hopes to increase revenues and reduce serpentine queues outside ticket windows by installing more ATVMs — 226 to be precise — by March 2010.
And it hopes a bit of smart marketing will do the trick. A survey by the commercial branch of CR at 15 stations like Byculla, Thane, Dombivli, Wadala Road Vashi and Dadar found that most people using ATVMs— 41.2% — were from the private sector, mainly teachers, office goers, engineers and accountants. Other segments of society using the smart card were self employed individuals (21.2%), students (17%), agents and marketing personnel (6.8%), government employees (7.5%) and housewives (5%) .
The survey, a brainchild of CR general manager B B Modgil, covered 1050 passengers who were using the machines, of whom 827 were men and 223 were women. Officials said this uneven distribution may be “Because this card is popular among passengers who travel frequently on different routes and women generally commute between specific stations and thus prefer season tickets.”
Another interesting finding was that only 3% of first-class commuters used the cards. Moreover, 12% of passengers used the cards once a week,25% used them twice a week,57% were daily users and 12% used them more than once a day.The survey was carried out in the last week of August and the report released early in September.The commercial department recommended roping in a professional agency to conduct the publicity campaign for the ATVMs.
Around 98% of users said they were happy with the ATVMs, especially with the recently started season ticket renewal facility, though some pointed out shortcomings. “The ATVMs were intended to save time, but the purpose is defeated during peak hour as many people queue up to swipe the card. Also, some of the machines don’t work causing queues for the ones that do. For instance, the ones at Thane are always faulty. Besides, the machine doesn’t always respond on time and due to lack of familiarity with the mechanism there’s the possibility of multiple swipes where the commuter loses money,” said a Mulund resident.

Unless you expect a chaprasi or chaiwala or bus driver to either live in a slum or multi-crore apartment this is what you will have to allow. The lower rung staff in any office can barely afford a proper accomodation in Mumbai. Where do you think they will come from? Can't get so protectionist about city jobs.

hmm so they will travel upto 3 hours to get to work?

hmm so they will travel upto 3 hours to get to work?

Yes. And this is not uncommon. There are many people who travel daily between Mumbai and Pune to get to work.

MMRDA’s grand transport plans called ‘unrealistic’ (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2009/09/18&PageLabel=10&EntityId=Ar01000&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

MMRDA’s grand transport plans called ‘unrealistic’
Chittaranjan Tembhekar | TNN


Mumbai: Ten suburban rail corridors, 24 metro corridors, 24 highway corridors, six inter-city rail terminals, four state-bus terminals, 13 inter-city bus terminals, three multi-modal transit terminals, and five truck terminals: that’s the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) vision for a well-connected Mumbai. But there’s more than one catch. These are just the blueprints for a 2031 deadline, and the optimistic investment required to actually implement the grand plans will cost the planning authority over Rs 18.08 lakh crore.
It’s little wonder, then, that the MMRDA’s proposals have received a lukewarm response from transport experts. “I am wary of such huge long-term forecasts; they are not feasible, economical or environmentally beneficial. The economic trends over the last two years have changed drastically and have made these projections unrealistic. Instead, medium- and short-term strategies should be given priority,’’ said transport expert Ashok Datar.
The MMRDA, however, insists that their plans for the city are not simply fanciful visions. After interviewing over 66,000 commuters across the Mumbai Metropolitan region (MMR), TranSforM — a study commissioned to assess the city’s transport scenario — has come up with some startling facts. By 2031, the number of people commuting in the morning peak hours (6-11am) will increase from 4.75 million commuters to 10 million.
The study also analysed commuting patterns and found out that by 2031, Mumbaikars will be travelling longer distances. Over 170 million people will travel per km as opposed to the current 66.4 million commuters covering the same distance today. Even though more people will own cars and other forms of private transport, the burden on public transport and roads will also increase, says the study.
“This forecast suggests a huge demand for public transport over the long term and an urgent need to draft priority metro, road, and suburban rail corridors that will serve the purpose,’’ reads the study, which was made by the MMRDA and Lea Associates.
While doubts are being raised over the financial feasibility of the projects, the MMRDA is confident that it will meet the requirements. According to the study, the overall economy of the MMR is expected to grow by 12% per cent with the net domestic product (NDDP) hitting Rs 59 lakh crore by 2021. A business plan has been drawn up to this effect, an includes investments from the government, private sector, equity partners and so on. Transport expert Beena Balkrishnan feels that we may not need this huge investment if there is a policy initiative from the planners to reduce the number of cars, bikes and other forms of private transport, and increase mass transportation.
A long wait for Vision 2031
24 Metro lines
Besides the nine metro lines that have already been finalised, the MMRDA has proposed 15 new corridors.
Routes for the first 9 lines |
Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (work underway) | Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd (contract awarded) | Colaba to Bandra (tendering process has begun) | Charkop-Dahisar | Ghatkopar-Mulund | BKCKanjurmarg via airport | Andheri (E) to Dahisar (E) | Hutatma Chowk-Ghatkopar | Sewri-Prabhadevi
Future metro lines
Dahisar to Virar via Mira Road & Manikpur | Thane ring metro | Thane to Dahisar | Balkhum (Thane) to Nachan Gaon via Bhiwandi and Kalyan | Pokhran to Thane | Kushavali to Ambernath
24 highways to be expanded
These include | Eastern Freeway from P D Mello Road to Anik Panjarpol | Elevated link from Sewri to Worli via the sea link | Sewri to Kharkopar over the creek Kharkopar to Rave | Inner ring road between Kaman and Bhiwandi road | Western sea link between Bandra and Dahisar | Western sea Link between Dahisar and Virar, as well as between Worli and Colaba
Suburban rail plans
They will connect: | Diva to Vasai Road | Panvel to Thal via Jite | Rewas port to Panvel | Panvel to Karjat | Panvel to Uran | Kharkpoar to Jite | Ranjanpada to Seawood via Kharkopar and Targhar | Thal to Alibaug | Diva to Panvel
Inter-city rail terminals
proposed near Vasai-Virar, Kalyan, Khandeshwar suburban station with Panvel as enroute station, among others
Inter-city bus terminals
will be set up across the city and will include the following:
| For western suburbs between Bandra and Borivli | Eastern suburbs between Kurla and Mulund | Western part of Thane | Vasai to Virar | Pen to SEZ area | Bhiwandi and Nizampur area | Mira Road and Bhayander | Karjat and Badlapur | Alibaug
New inter-state bus & truck terminals
The inter-state terminals will be set up near Wadala truck terminal, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan and Panvel truck terminals. The optimistic deadline for all the above projects is 2031


Article

just passed VT station yesterday and it was sparkling! finally the restoration is getting somewhere, the original colours of the domes and the walls coming out from behind all that grime. should be quite a sight by next year, when the entire restoration should be complete

Awesome news, Bombay Boy. You didn't click any pictures? :ohno:

dont carry my camera around that much

Yes. And this is not uncommon. There are many people who travel daily between Mumbai and Pune to get to work.

I think there are 6 fully packed trains that run between Mumbai and Pune everyday. Better if they build a high speed rail line in between running at 250kmph, then Mumbai shouldnt be more than 1 hour away from Pune

Work on line 7 in CR to begin soon

Source: Indian Express

Isn't it the right time to introduce better signalling to run trains at higher frequencies per track rather than adding more and more tracks.

I think there are 6 fully packed trains that run between Mumbai and Pune everyday. Better if they build a high speed rail line in between running at 250kmph, then Mumbai shouldnt be more than 1 hour away from Pune

That doesn't seem possible in my lifetime.

I think there are 6 fully packed trains that run between Mumbai and Pune everyday. Better if they build a high speed rail line in between running at 250kmph, then Mumbai shouldnt be more than 1 hour away from Pune

Well....the very alternative is the Expressway, goes much faster than trains, takes just about 2 hrs to reach pune, and which is the most sought after mode of travelling for commuters today http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Road-to-Pune-has-more-takers-than-train-plane/articleshow/4549232.cms

Well....the very alternative is the Expressway, goes much faster than trains, takes just about 2 hrs to reach pune, and which is the most sought after mode of travelling for commuters today http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Road-to-Pune-has-more-takers-than-train-plane/articleshow/4549232.cms

So very true

havnt they proposed that already?

http://www.theindiapost.com/2009/02/15/french-co-to-study-pune-mum-ahemedabad-bullet-train-project/

15 FEB ; A French rail transport company has bagged the contract for conducting pre-feasibility study of ambitious Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.Systra pipped four contenders in the race for the high- speed rail corridor study project, including companies from England, Spain, Germany and China to win the Rs 15 crores contract, said a senior Railway Ministry official close to the development.

The bullet train at 350 km per hour speed aims to reduce the travel time between Pune and Mumbai to just 25 minutes and the travel time from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will shrink to less than two hours.

Travel time between the 93 km Pune-Mumbai is three hours while journey on 440 km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad takes about 7 hours.The study will focus on technicalities, financial and operational viability of the project. Systra is expected to submit study report within six months.

The proposed corridor will serve the cities of Pune, Lonavala, Kandla, Kalyan, Mumbai, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand and Gandhinagar.Systra will also suggest possible alignment, fare structure and volume of passengers in the proposed high-speed corridor, the first of its kind in the country.

Have they done anything about this yet?

lol for the past few days the suburban railways have totally fallen apart.

Heavy rain= end of train service

Roana Maria Costa, TNN 7 October 2009, 03:02am IST

The technical feasibility study of the ambitious elevated rail corridor between Churchgate and Virar shows that the entire 60 km-stretch will not be
above ground as initially planned. Instead, it will be underground for 6 km between Churchgate and Mahalaxmi. For two stretches - 4 km from Santa Cruz to Andheri, and 8 km from Vasai to Virar - the corridor will be a surface track, using the existing network. The remaining 42 km covering the stretches from Mahalaxmi to Santa Cruz, and Andheri to Vasai Road will be elevated, said highly placed sources in the railways. "In the Santa Cruz-Vile Parle section, we will build extra lines on the surface. An elevated corridor may interfere with flights as the airport is situated there,'' said the source.

The corridor of two slow lines, in an ideal situation, will come at a cost of Rs 100 core per kilometre, bringing the estimated burden to around Rs 6,000 crore. Starting at Churchgate, the train will stop at Charni Road, Mumbai Central, Dadar, and then all stations till Virar. According to officials, the maximum height of the elevated corridor will be 20 metres - rail to rail level - and will reach its highest point at Andheri.

The initial blueprints of the project include an elevated concourse and booking office with stairs and escalators taking commuters to platforms situated at a higher level. The entire structure will be at three levels: the existing railway system, the concourse and the elevated corridor.

The service will be closed-door, air-conditioned broad gauge trains with a maximum length of 15 coaches. When operational, it will take a capacity load of 90,000 passengers off the existing lines, per hour, during peak commuting periods.

What makes this project unique, said the official, is that the construction technology has never been used in India to date, and until recently, was "considered impossible". It will have a capacity that is eight times more than that of the Metro rail. The ministry of railways has awarded the feasibility and financial consultancy to RITES and the French company, Systra. "The technical feasibility study is being scrutinised at the Railway Board (RB) level. Dialogue between Western Railway and the RB is continuous and certain observations will arise,'' he added.

The project is on the fast track and talks on the design feasibility is on the cards. "We will hire a consultancy for financial and legal feasibility studies. Only after all studies are completed can tenders to carry out the project under Public Private Partnership be opened,'' said the official, adding that it will take six months to wrap up all the studies.

The Indian Railways is looking at multilateral funding, as there will be eight to ten government bodies involved in the project. "The company may run into losses, and we will decide who bears them," the official said. Discussions with stake holders like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are going on as the underground parts of the project will call for an alteration of pipelines, sewer line and power cables. The railways will provide logistics like land and power supply and viability gap funding.

But officials have a massive `problem' on their hands, crowd dispersal. "The purpose of the system will fail if we cannot tackle crowd dispersal. As all exits will ultimately be the same, a concrete dispersal system is a priority,'' said the official. He added that the project should gel with the overall master plan of Mumbai. "You cannot add any new kind of infrastructural transportation system on the surface.''

Commuters, however, will have to wait a while as the project is still in its nascent stage. It will take two to three years for work on the corridor to begin, and another decade to complete it.

Not at all possible. 3 years to get started and another decade to complete it. It means another 15 years at least.

What do you mean by not possible ? ....Its not going to happen because its impractical....or its not possible because of any other reason ?..I think its a great idea; dont know how they'll get around to do it though :( Not at all possible. 3 years to get started and another decade to complete it. It means another 15 years at least.

whats the point? how will they get over the hundreds of ROBs? why not make a new alignment with a brand new metro line?

retards

I think the FOB will be the least of their concerns ..AT least if its elevated all the way, the city wont come to a standstill everytime the Rain God sneezes :)

Crazy people - they should just try running existing trains at higher frequencies.
And they could introduce AC trains there as well!

Wouldn't having parallel metro lines be more useful in traffic dispersal as well? And it will bring the metro closer to people's homes as well.

I think the FOB will be the least of their concerns ..AT least if its elevated all the way, the city wont come to a standstill everytime the Rain God sneezes :)

not FOB. ROB

there are literally dozens if not hundreds of road bridges crossing the rail lines across bombay. break them down and you will be splitting the city into two

My bad ...yup..would be a problem definitely:ohno:

This is one of those zillion infrastructure projects proposed in Mumbai, which is not going to see the light of the day. I believe it is not feasible with lotta disturbances to the existing suburban line and the numerous ROBs.A parallel Metro line(which is lready proposed in the suburbs atleast) will solve teh problems. If Railways want some projects in their kitty, they better modernise the stations, rolling stock and signalling sysems.

^^ thats what i was thinking....

if they really have the money, then why not upgrade the signalling system to increase the frequency of the existing system??? It would take a lot less time and would be far more effective!!

What do you mean by not possible ? ....Its not going to happen because its impractical....or its not possible because of any other reason ?..I think its a great idea; dont know how they'll get around to do it though :(

If I were from a country where things were built much before schedule (except the Delhi Metro), then my views would have been different. The money involved in such a project is probably going to be more than 50,000 crores. As BB keeps on insisting, Metro is the only long term solution possible to cater Mumbai's increasing population needs.

And also how high does that elevated track have to go? There are around hundreds of ROBs, a Mumbai Metro-flyover coming up? So it has to fly over all these ROBs and MM bridge? Possible? I believe not.

^^ thats what i was thinking....

if they really have the money, then why not upgrade the signalling system to increase the frequency of the existing system??? It would take a lot less time and would be far more effective!!

+ plus introduce metro style trains. It will cost just a fraction of the elevated railway. After construction of line 2 & 3 of the metro, a lot of suburban rail traffic will get diverted to these parallel lines. Spending money on elevated corridor is a sheer myopia.

^^ the more i look at it, the more it looks like, IR is lettings its ego come in the way. I mean for year the locals have been the life of the city and they are slowly going to lose that exclusivity. so they are just trying to compete instead of collaborate!!

^^touché !:)

If I were from a country where things were built much before schedule (except the Delhi Metro), then my views would have been different. The money involved in such a project is probably going to be more than 50,000 crores. As BB keeps on insisting, Metro is the only long term solution possible to cater Mumbai's increasing population needs.

And also how high does that elevated track have to go? There are around hundreds of ROBs, a Mumbai Metro-flyover coming up? So it has to fly over all these ROBs and MM bridge? Possible? I believe not.

The only reason I'm interested in 'doubling' the capacity of the current North-South corridoor is it would allow dedicated 'Metro' like lines for local transport while leaving potential high-speed transport options for people traveling from the outskirts. I know there's massive challenges to building another line; either elevated or undergroound, but it would have several advantages like almost no land acquisition costs.

+ plus introduce metro style trains. It will cost just a fraction of the elevated railway. After construction of line 2 & 3 of the metro, a lot of suburban rail traffic will get diverted to these parallel lines. Spending money on elevated corridor is a sheer myopia.

Exactly. It's just about waiting for the first Metro line to start and see how it goes. Metro lines 2 and 3 are going to take a lot of load from the locals and the lines just need to be extended and be underground.

^^ the more i look at it, the more it looks like, IR is lettings its ego come in the way. I mean for year the locals have been the life of the city and they are slowly going to lose that exclusivity. so they are just trying to compete instead of collaborate!!

skdubai,

i dont think it is ego at all. I think it is perfectly rational behavior - by proposing the overhead lines, they are basically introducing another factor into MMRDA's PPP contracts. What IR is doing is introducing doubts in the minds of private contractors and reducing the feasibility of PPP investments. If people start taking this proposal seriously, MMRDA will be forced to collaborate with IR in metro development, thus ceding their current independence. Maybe, they could also pressurise MMRDA to buy equipment from IR.

Even if the Maha govt does not approve this project, IR does not lose out - Why? Because, when the private metro rails are built and people start demanding similar services from IR, they can claim that they had a proposal that was shot down by the govt.

wah Kautilya wah :)

skdubai,

i dont think it is ego at all. I think it is perfectly rational behavior - by proposing the overhead lines, they are basically introducing another factor into MMRDA's PPP contracts. What IR is doing is introducing doubts in the minds of private contractors and reducing the feasibility of PPP investments. If people start taking this proposal seriously, MMRDA will be forced to collaborate with IR in metro development, thus ceding their current independence. Maybe, they could also pressurise MMRDA to buy equipment from IR.

Even if the Maha govt does not approve this project, IR does not lose out - Why? Because, when the private metro rails are built and people start demanding similar services from IR, they can claim that they had a proposal that was shot down by the govt.

The part upto Mahalaxmi is fine because its u/g and wont cause any disturbances (once built). If they can seriously afford to go all the way to Virar like that then by all means go ahead. But until then, separate long distance from local, put in a better signalling system, modernize the stations and use decent looking metro/AC suburban cars.

^^touché !:)



The only reason I'm interested in 'doubling' the capacity of the current North-South corridoor is it would allow dedicated 'Metro' like lines for local transport while leaving potential high-speed transport options for people traveling from the outskirts. I know there's massive challenges to building another line; either elevated or undergroound, but it would have several advantages like almost no land acquisition costs.

What is the need of another metro like line for local transport when metro's line 2 & 3 are going to fulfill the same purpose few years down the line. If IR just wants to spend money to remain dominant in Mumbai's transportation network, they can start building east west links between the two main lines in the farther suburbs. While metro will take care of east-west connectivity in the inner suburbs, railways can complement in the outer suburbs. It will also help in decongesting the city.

http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/08/mumbai-may-get-ac-local-trains.htm

October 08, 2009 11:22 IST
The first AC suburban train project in the country has received a boost with a feasibility report giving a green signal for running such a service in Mumbai
Systra, a French company along with RITES have submitted the feasibility study report for the proposed AC suburban train in the 60-km-long Churchgate-Virar route to the railway board.

"The report is positive about the possibility of running such AC suburban trains in Mumbai. We are examining the report for further action," a senior railway ministry official said.

Railways had awarded the contract in November last year to Systra and RITES to undertake the feasibility study route for running elevated AC suburban rail services in Mumbai.

Estimated to cost about Rs 10,000 crores (Rs 100 billion), the AC suburban train project will be a premier service in the country.

However, the entire route will not be elevated as the report suggested. "While in some section the route will cross over the flyovers, in certain areas it has been proposed to go underground," said the official.

The consortium, which is charging the railway about Rs 8 crores for the feasibility study, will now work out the design, cost and fare structure.

The multi-crore project will be the first fully air-conditioned suburban rail service in the country.

The report is being examined to concretise the project, the official said.

Besides the Virar-Churchgate route, Maharashtra government is keen to extend the elevated corridor further from Mantralaya and Nariman Point to CST in the financial capital.

"Initially, the proposal was for the 60-km long Virar-Churchgate only. But the Maharashtra government suggested that it be extended further. So the feasibility study has also taken the extended route into account," said the official.

They are over ambitious.

What is the need of another metro like line for local transport when metro's line 2 & 3 are going to fulfill the same purpose few years down the line. If IR just wants to spend money to remain dominant in Mumbai's transportation network, they can start building east west links between the two main lines in the farther suburbs. While metro will take care of east-west connectivity in the inner suburbs, railways can complement in the outer suburbs. It will also help in decongesting the city.

I'm not sure if line 2 and 3 are going to be 'sufficient' along with the present suburban rail line in the long term IMHO. But maybe you're right and we won't need it. However, if the suburban railway is ever hoping to upgrade their infrastructure, we will need surplus capacity which the extra-lines will provide. Today, the railways can't even conduct station repairs without huge chaos. Maybe that will change after Metro line 2 and 3... maybe

wah Kautilya wah :)

thank u thank u...

i take that as a compliment :cheers:

thank u thank u...

i take that as a compliment :cheers:

was meant as one :)

They are over ambitious.

Foolish instead (as usual). MMRDA's target is to build 24 metro lines by 2030 (read that in a Mumbai related thread). Something like that is over ambitious but still practical and necessary. IR's project is a sheer waste of resources.

I'm not sure if line 2 and 3 are going to be 'sufficient' along with the present suburban rail line in the long term IMHO. But maybe you're right and we won't need it. However, if the suburban railway is ever hoping to upgrade their infrastructure, we will need surplus capacity which the extra-lines will provide. Today, the railways can't even conduct station repairs without huge chaos. Maybe that will change after Metro line 2 and 3... maybe

Actually my assumption is that with new suburbs getting developed in east (Navi Mumbai) a lot of economic activity would shift there. If suppose some people travel from Andheri to South Mumbai for job, many of them will commute to Navi Mumbai in future on east-west lines (I hope they will be built soon), thus reducing the pressure on the north-south lines. With the changing geographies, the city will no more remain an "elongated thin strip of land" in near future. East-west traffic will certainly reduce the load of N-S lines. I would even say that in future the N-S lines will not only be able to meet future demand without major expansion but may even see reduction in demand. Because of better signalling (I hope it get one some fine day) and reduced demand (because of metro and east-west lines) they may even uproot some parallel tracks as the trains would be able to maintain high frequency on even less no. of tracks. And if they are still thinking of elevated IR tracks, then God save Mumbai. 10000 crores is sufficient to fund 2-3 metro lines.

Actually my assumption is that with new suburbs getting developed in east (Navi Mumbai) a lot of economic activity would shift there. If suppose some people travel from Andheri to South Mumbai for job, many of them will commute to Navi Mumbai in future on east-west lines (I hope they will be built soon), thus reducing the pressure on the north-south lines. With the changing geographies, the city will no more remain an "elongated thin strip of land" in near future. East-west traffic will certainly reduce the load of N-S lines. I would even say that in future the N-S lines will not only be able to meet future demand without major expansion but may even see reduction in demand. Because of better signalling (I hope it get one some fine day) and reduced demand (because of metro and east-west lines) they may even uproot some parallel tracks as the trains would be able to maintain high frequency on even less no. of tracks. And if they are still thinking of elevated IR tracks, then God save Mumbai. 10000 crores is sufficient to fund 2-3 metro lines.

While I love your optimism, I'm almost certain the kind of scenario you envision will not come to pass. Anyways, let's see what comes out of this project. God only knows we need all the public transport we can get :)

BTW, 10000 crores will get you only one line in Mumbai, we're expensive you know :) http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/r-infra-bags-rs-11k-crore-mumbai-metro-ii-project/365991/

Unless there is a major change in peoples's attitude and world class infra developed in the eastern regions, the western regions will continue to develop (by no means, I 'm underestimating the capability of eastern suburbs). It all started with South Mumbai where the western parts are considered to be posh, and it continues all over the length of Mumbai.

I would say there is a possibility of higher momentum of growth in eastern suburbs & Navi Mumbai compared to western suburbs, due to high base effect.

Unless there is a major change in peoples's attitude and world class infra developed in the eastern regions, the western regions will continue to develop (by no means, I 'm underestimating the capability of eastern suburbs). It all started with South Mumbai where the western parts are considered to be posh, and it continues all over the length of Mumbai.

I would say there is a possibility of higher momentum of growth in eastern suburbs & Navi Mumbai compared to western suburbs, due to high base effect.

Absolutely, there is a great potential for growth. But IMHO, this will be growth over and above what already exists. We need massive infrastructural changes to handle the present population itself, let alone make allowances for the future. As an example, unless the Metro lines 2 and 3 get built and the extension to Dahisar happens, the Western suburban line will not be appreciably affected-make all the East-West connections you want.

Unless there is a major change in peoples's attitude and world class infra developed in the eastern regions, the western regions will continue to develop (by no means, I 'm underestimating the capability of eastern suburbs). It all started with South Mumbai where the western parts are considered to be posh, and it continues all over the length of Mumbai.

I would say there is a possibility of higher momentum of growth in eastern suburbs & Navi Mumbai compared to western suburbs, due to high base effect.

mostly because the eastern sea-side is all taken over by bombay port. remove that and you will find great development in the east. everyone who can afford it wants to live closer to the water

true. I 've read many articles/papers recommending the closure of the port. It is sheer waste of land and infrastructure to have the port in the heart of the city. Lotta huge container lorries can be kept out of the city. Hope we get a replica on the Marine drive in the eastern coast. Yeah I know I am asking too much :)

BTW, 10000 crores will get you only one line in Mumbai, we're expensive you know :) http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/r-infra-bags-rs-11k-crore-mumbai-metro-ii-project/365991/

Yeah, I forgot. I thought with perspective of Delhi.

true. I 've read many articles/papers recommending the closure of the port. It is sheer waste of land and infrastructure to have the port in the heart of the city. Lotta huge container lorries can be kept out of the city. Hope we get a replica on the Marine drive in the eastern coast. Yeah I know I am asking too much :)


hmmm thats a poor move

your taking jobs out of the city. I read these articles and they are talking purely from a real estate POV. No doubt being funded from the vested interest of the builders lobby.

plus that port can be expanded into better building capacity for the Indian navy.

If it is closed then it will be poor military foresight if they let that happen.

I dont think that we will lose the jobs. In that sense , we should not have moved numerous manufacturing jobs out of Mumbai. In fact, it will bring more high end service jobs into the city. JNPT can absorb all the cargo and the people, the city loses. It is good for both the city and the people. Some of these people could not afford high cost of living within the city and end up living in the slums

But yes, security concerns should be the priority.

with new ports at rewas and also the existing much bigger port at jnpt there will be no net loss of jobs in the region. it will open up a massive amount of space in the city core which could be used for much higher value work and also for residential projects. you could easily lay down two world class city length expressways and expand the rail network. and should you be having such high-security installations near dense civilian populations anyways? they could be relocated across the harbour as well

the positives far outweigh the negatives imo

with new ports at rewas and also the existing much bigger port at jnpt there will be no net loss of jobs in the region. it will open up a massive amount of space in the city core which could be used for much higher value work and also for residential projects. you could easily lay down two world class city length expressways and expand the rail network. and should you be having such high-security installations near dense civilian populations anyways? they could be relocated across the harbour as well

the positives far outweigh the negatives imo

you just cant relocate things. There is a good reason why the trans harbour link was proposed was between Sewri and Sheva. It made sure naval ship could ply to Mazgaon docks. Yes JNPT is expanding. But still it will not meet the demand of the cargo. At present our goods are held at colombo port. Let the port at sheva fully develop and then lets make a judgement.


the entire point of the navy at mumbai is to protect the city from nuclear missile attack. the grandplan involves docking an aircraft carrier with a brahmos missile to destroy and counter other ships/aircraft. the air craft carrier will also have a take off strip of its own so that planes dont have to fly from pune air field to protect mumbai.

You want that kind of security near you. Where else would you relocate them? alibagh? Where there is a lack of labour shortage? and electricity and other issues? you require 000s to build a naval military muscle along with the technical expertise of engineers.

You are just thinking from an infrastructure POV. Fine you will have something which will add to the economy. But we live in interesting times and its better to protect your best asset the best you can.

of course you can relocate. the only reason jnpt was made was because the port authorities had promised to reduce operations at bombay port once it was started. they are just reneging on their promise to the city. jnpt already handles almost all of the container traffic coming to bombay, bombay port only does bulk cargo. this can be relocated only when a decision is taken to expand jnpt for the same. that decision can only be taken when a time-bound plan is made for the closure of bombay port

there is no reason an air-craft carrier cannot be parked at jnpt. also no reason to have an entire port operational if the aim is only for a single aircraft carrier to protect the city. the land needed would be a fraction of what is currently occupied

point on electricity shortage is laughable. if thats the case then all of india's defences should be relocated only to bombay, the whole of the rest of the nation has power cuts. the forces ensure they get their critical supply

It would definitely prove advantageous to move the ports out of the city once others are fully developed. I dont know much about JNPT, but it seems to me that if the capacity there is expanded, the free space in Esat Bombay can be developed into not only an expressway, but maybe even a commercial hub similar to GIFT (there is also planned Metro connection in addition to the existing Harbor line).

of course you can relocate. the only reason jnpt was made was because the port authorities had promised to reduce operations at bombay port once it was started. they are just reneging on their promise to the city. jnpt already handles almost all of the container traffic coming to bombay, bombay port only does bulk cargo. this can be relocated only when a decision is taken to expand jnpt for the same. that decision can only be taken when a time-bound plan is made for the closure of bombay port

there is no reason an air-craft carrier cannot be parked at jnpt. also no reason to have an entire port operational if the aim is only for a single aircraft carrier to protect the city. the land needed would be a fraction of what is currently occupied

point on electricity shortage is laughable. if thats the case then all of india's defences should be relocated only to bombay, the whole of the rest of the nation has power cuts. the forces ensure they get their critical supply


its not about the port for commercial shipping. but its about expanding Mazgaon docks for augmenting ship building capacity in order for us to build bigger and better ships.

You dont want an aircraft carrier at sheva cause it will re open the nightmare for commerical and military shipping lanes. thats why the navy partly moved to Kanwar in karnataka.


Actually they dont, get 24/7 electricity supply. We are talking about ship building and not supply for already built and stationed units. A tank for eg does not require electricity. A ship has its own power supply on board.

For building ships though you need a lot of electricity 24/7 . Mazgoan docks is not the military itself and therefore if you look Kolkotta and mumbai are the only two places where military ships are built in numbers.

the navy is in a pinch cause Mazgaon docks are proving increasing unable to build the bigger class of ships like even the Kolkotta class destroyer.

Why would they stay in mumbai if it was not for the electricity and educated workforce? Surely even GOI and military will reduce labour costs overall overheads moving to a back water area? I would be the first one to cheer for it , if it was possible.

The plan should be to expand Sheva and give the rest of the mumbai port to the mazgoan dock company to enable them to built higher tonnage of ships and enable an aircraft carrier to dock there protecting assets.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8435/48605379.png

Hindustan Times

Nice. Should have been done that long time back.

Nice. Should have been done that long time back.

I have seen platforms at both sides of the trains in videos. Only some stations have such kind of platforms ?

I have seen platforms at both sides of the trains in videos. Only some stations have such kind of platforms ?

If I am not mistaken only Churchgate and CST (VT) have such kind of platforms.

If I am not mistaken only Churchgate and CST (VT) have such kind of platforms.

I think Dadar and Thane stations have them as well.

So maybe a case of major stations.

Jogeshwari has one. When you go from South to North, you can get down on Jogeshwari on either side. Don't remember the platform number, its been a while. But Jogeshwari has it.

Actually on TV, we are shown only a select few stations and they have platforms on both sides which gives an impression that it's the same with every other station.

If I am not mistaken only Churchgate and CST (VT) have such kind of platforms.

Every station in Navi Mumbai on the harbour line has such platforms.

Every station in Navi Mumbai on the harbour line has such platforms.

Thanks. I had no idea about the Navi Mumbai stations.

Thanks. I had no idea about the Navi Mumbai stations.

Platform no 1 in Kalyan is also on both the sides of the train

guys what an ideal train frequency during peak times for the trains of the suberban

surprised that in the western suburbs there is a train once every 3min.

I thought it was 2 minutes in the western suburbs.

http://sites.google.com/site/kalphonso/virar-to-churchgate.jpg

Source: Mumbai News (http://mumbainews.wordpress.com/2006/08/30/local-trains-time-table/)

^^ I spent 5 minutes thinking how can western line have such kind of frequency - first train at 6:04, next at 7:27 and so on. After that I read "new train" on top. :doh:

Source: Elevators for Thane, Kalyan & Dadar stations (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Coming-soon-on-CR-Elevators-for-Thane-Kalyan-Dadar-stations/articleshow/5146969.cms)
MUMBAI: Central Railway (CR) will, in the next one year, install at least 15 air-conditioned elevators at platforms in Kalyan, Thane and Dadar.
These elevators would be in addition to the escalators at the same stations which were announced in last year's Railway Budget.

But some commuters are already questioning the feasibility of having elevators and escalators for suburban stations in a city like Mumbai, where the crush of commuters is overwhelming.

Earlier this year on August 15, three lifts were inaugurated at CST on platforms 16, 17 and 18 for physically challenged passengers, women and senior citizens. However, these lifts have so far found few takers.

Nevertheless, highly placed railway sources who spoke to TOI on Wednesday said feasibility studies have been carried out and the first lift will be installed at Kalyan, followed by Thane and Dadar. Each lift will be able to carry 9-10 persons.

"At Dadar the elevator will come up on the new FOB. Every island platform will have at least one elevator connected to an FOB so the physically challenged are saved the trouble of taking the stairs," said official sources.

There would not be any attendant for these single-storeyed lifts which will be built at a cost of Rs 15 lakh each. "The necessary reports have already been cleared by the GM, plans drawn up and locations for the lifts identified. The Railway board has also given a green signal to the project," said sources.

Officials said the plans were drawn up in June at the zonal level after NGOs and passenger associations

approached the Railways. Senior officers said that they are now looking for new places to install elevators and are inviting suggestions on the same. Commuters can either write to the Railways or text in their suggestions to the CR commuter feedback number-9004411111.

And it was the escalators that were a particular cause for concern. Passengers, while welcoming the move, pointed out that Mumbai carried lakhs of commuters per day and during peak hours the suburban trains ferry thousands of people. Commuters were worried how the flow of people would be regularised on these escalators. The prime concern was of causing a possible stampede as when people get on to the moving equipment or step off it, as they may miss a step in the rush the city is well-known for.

A regular commuter from Kurla told TOI that while the idea of escalators and elevators sounded fancy, but the practical difficulties of operating them in a city like Mumbai would have to be carefully worked out first. "The load on the suburban train system is a lot. Moreover, in the monsoons the railways would have to be extra careful since the electricity especially in the escalators, could result in short-circuits," he said. Vandalism of public property was another tricky issue, he warned. "Even modern equipment like ATVMs and CVMs are often found to be damaged by miscreants," he said.

Railway officials however insisted that the monsoons were not a worry

A filthy, claustrophobic CR hub (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/A-filthy-claustrophobic-CR-hub/articleshow/5147003.cms)

MUMBAI: The closest that a Mumbaikar comes to experiencing medieval warfare in today's times is on the platforms of Kurla railway station - one of
the biggest stops on Central Railway.

"I dread getting on the train every morning from here,'' said Sanjeev Wadia, a businessman waiting on platform number seven to take a train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus during Wednesday's morning rush hour. Wadia was not exaggerating. As a train on the Harbour Line train pulled in, the waiting passengers, including Wadia, flung themselves upon it even before it had slowed down.

There were war cries from both sides as men tried to fight their way both into and out of the train. "Everyday I see someone lose his shoe, fall to the ground and get bruised or even trampled upon but nothing changes,'' Wadia had said before he readied himself for an assault on the train.

The problems at Kurla station do not end only with the unmanageably massive crowds it sees everyday. It is a hub to change from the Harbour Line-connecting Navi Mumbai-to the Main Line that goes to Dadar, from where commuters can get on the Western Line. Kurla plays host to commuters from all three suburban routes, which explains the crowds.

For a station that caters to such a large number of commuters, the facilities and infrastructure at Kurla leave a lot to be desired. The number of ticket counters is woefully inadequate which means endless queues. "I have been standing here for the past 30 minutes and am only now getting near the ticket window,'' said Salim, a worker on his way to Malad.

The foot overbridges on both the east and west side open on to crowded market areas, which means commuters have to struggle to gain access to the station. Moreover, the bridges are lined with hawkers and beggars making walking through even more difficult.

Toilets at the station are dirty and foul smelling. They could qualify more as a health hazard than a facility.

Most women commuters dread getting off at the station as pushing and shoving is common. "I prefer getting off at a stop before or after Kurla just to avoid the nightmare that it is,'' said Sangita Sharma, a law student.

The platforms have a free run of beggars and unlicensed hawkers. Some of the hawkers display their goods right in the middle of platforms and bridges. "In the morning rush if people trip over them and fall, who is responsible?'' asked Suresh Kumar, a commuter on the Main Line.

However, escape is not a simple task. Only one foot overbridge at Kurla opens towards the main road on the east side. This translates into a huge crowd during rush hours. Right outside the station is a BEST depot wherefrom buses and people surge around the station. "The buses turn in our direction suddenly, which is scary,'' said Rukhsana, a middle-aged woman holding her school-going son by his hand.

The crowds never seem to thin out at Kurla station. "Even with the last train at 1 am, there will be people scampering to get on,'' said Dinesh, a small boy who sells toys and knick-knacks on the platform.

Most commuters who managed to speak to TOI in the office rush of Tuesday morning said they would be much happier if the Railways took steps to increase the number of ticket windows and did something about the cleanliness of the station.

"It can take very long to get a ticket,'' said Wadia. "Often, the ticket windows close without any notice and the queue is then a mile long. As for cleanliness, I feel ashamed to get friends who stay in Navi Mumbai to this station.''

Commuters also pointed out that the entrance of the foot overbridges itself was blocked by shops and hawkers sitting with their wares spread out on the steps. "It is even more difficult in the rains as everyone jostles to reach the station and then there is no place. The hawkers must go,'' said Rukhsana, a regular commuter.

Women commuters specifically pointed to the huge crowds and presence of beggars and other unsavoury elements at Kurla station. "Policemen are rarely seen and something should be done to improve the general feeling of insecurity associated with the station,'' said Sharma. "There are other large stations like Dadar as well but I don't feel unsafe there as in Kurla,'' Sharma said.

Most passengers agreed that for a station of its size and the volume of daily traffic, Kurla's infrastructure is woefully inadequate. "This station looks shabby and forgotten by railways even in comparison to other big railway stations on main line,'' said Suresh Kumar. "Maybe, they should modernise it soon.''

Meanwhile, Kurla residents said that every monsoon, the east-west subway gets flooded. Work has been left incomplete for the last several years. The Rs 8-crore, 120-metre-long, 28-foot wide subway passes beneath 10 railway lines and eight platforms. The vehicular project connecting Kurla east to west was a long-standing demand of not only locals, but anyone who wished to cross over. Sources told TOI that even though the railways has carried out its part of the work, BMC is yet to construct entry and exits. "Such a huge project is stuck and no one seems to be bothered," said an irritated resident.

air-conditioned elevators? pimpin...not

I always had this doubt. The frequency, atleast in the western line, is pretty good with a train every 2-3 minutes. Is it possible to improve the frequeny further, if the signalling is automated?

I doubt that if they can increase it any further. I think it is saturated now and it cannot be increased any further. Platforms can be increased and thus the number of trains.

Regarding elevators article, basic infrastructure needs to be in place before such facilities. It's like constructing a building but no roads around it.

There was a news about a week back that ladies toilet opened in Andheri Station. If such a busy station did not have a basic facility, what is the point in providing AC elevators.

And I heard that they are going to collect Rs.2 per person for using elevator in new FOBs being buillt at many places in WEH :). It is the only solution to control crowd, though unfair.

^^ 2 Rs. per person for using elevators in FOB? :nuts:

People will prefer jay-walking on roads! It defeats the very purpose of elevators in FOBs. :ohno:

Dude, honestly. These people are not being practical. There are not permanent solutions. This is just glitter-glatter that is going to last for a few months. What happens when it rains? They will then shut it down during the rains (the road ones). Is this what they mean infrastructural development? Something like this is not going to last.

As far as Elevators and escalators are concerned, they can have it on their. But before that they will have to revamp the stations and then have such facilities.

Mumbai: Pipeline falls on moving train, services disrupted
A water pipeline has fallen on the railway tracks between Mulund and Thane station disrupting train services on the Central Line in Mumbai.

details awaited.

^^ 2 Rs. per person for using elevators in FOB? :nuts:

People will prefer jay-walking on roads! It defeats the very purpose of elevators in FOBs. :ohno:

Jay walking is very common in other roads of Mumbai but not in highways. It is absolutely impossible to cross the highways except in signals (under flyovers). Having said that, there are occasional intances of jaywalking in the highways.

MUMBAI: Central Railway (CR) will, in the next one year, install at least 15 air-conditioned elevators at platforms in Kalyan, Thane and Dadar.

These elevators would be in addition to the escalators at the same stations which were announced in last year's Railway Budget.

But some commuters are already questioning the feasibility of having elevators and escalators for suburban stations in a city like Mumbai, where the crush of commuters is overwhelming.

Earlier this year on August 15, three lifts were inaugurated at CST on platforms 16, 17 and 18 for physically challenged passengers, women and senior citizens. However, these lifts have so far found few takers.

Nevertheless, highly placed railway sources who spoke to TOI on Wednesday said feasibility studies have been carried out and the first lift will be installed at Kalyan, followed by Thane and Dadar. Each lift will be able to carry 9-10 persons.

"At Dadar the elevator will come up on the new FOB. Every island platform will have at least one elevator connected to an FOB so the physically challenged are saved the trouble of taking the stairs," said official sources.

There would not be any attendant for these single-storeyed lifts which will be built at a cost of Rs 15 lakh each. "The necessary reports have already been cleared by the GM, plans drawn up and locations for the lifts identified. The Railway board has also given a green signal to the project," said sources.

Officials said the plans were drawn up in June at the zonal level after NGOs and passenger associations

approached the Railways. Senior officers said that they are now looking for new places to install elevators and are inviting suggestions on the same. Commuters can either write to the Railways or text in their suggestions to the CR commuter feedback number-9004411111.

And it was the escalators that were a particular cause for concern. Passengers, while welcoming the move, pointed out that Mumbai carried lakhs of commuters per day and during peak hours the suburban trains ferry thousands of people. Commuters were worried how the flow of people would be regularised on these escalators. The prime concern was of causing a possible stampede as when people get on to the moving equipment or step off it, as they may miss a step in the rush the city is well-known for.

A regular commuter from Kurla told TOI that while the idea of escalators and elevators sounded fancy, but the practical difficulties of operating them in a city like Mumbai would have to be carefully worked out first. "The load on the suburban train system is a lot. Moreover, in the monsoons the railways would have to be extra careful since the electricity especially in the escalators, could result in short-circuits," he said. Vandalism of public property was another tricky issue, he warned. "Even modern equipment like ATVMs and CVMs are often found to be damaged by miscreants," he said.

Railway officials however insisted that the monsoons were not a worry.


source toi

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Coming-soon-on-CR-Elevators-for-Thane-Kalyan-Dadar-stations/articleshow/5146969.cms

The Central Railway (CR) administration has decided to take some effective steps to meet the ticket purchase related needs of the Thane

commuters. The authorities have decided to provide All time Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at the station to ease the queues of commuters lined up before the ticket booking offices.

The CR took the decision after a visit to the station premise by officials of the commercial department of the CR last week. The officials inspected the ticket windows as well as other ticket selling systems at the station to come to the conclusion that the existing system of sale of tickets was not as effective as it should be considering the rising number of railway commuters at the station.

The railway officials decided to provide eight ATVMs at the station to ease the woes of commuters in purchasing railway tickets for their destinations. As per the proposal five of the machines are to be installed in the west side of the station and three in the east. The eight state of the art machines would be provided within the next few weeks.

The need for the machines was felt after the 22 ticket selling windows at the station became insufficient to meet the demands of the commuters. The windows have been connected to the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) under which suburban train tickets as well as season tickets (monthly passes) and tickets of long distance trains are sold at the same counter through computers.

Notably the maximum number of commuters is suburban commuters who want to purchase suburban journey tickets only. As a result commuters wishing to purchase tickets for their journey on the suburban section have to wait for hours in queues to get the tickets due to presence of purchasers of passes and long distance tickets in the queues.

This results in long queues of commuters before each of the ticket selling counters. Only a handful of the commuters use coupons or smart cards to purchase their tickets and their number makes no difference to the queues in front of the booking windows.

The CR administration had provided ten ATVMs at the station in the past. if the eight new machines are provided then the number of ATVMs at the station would go up to 18 and tend to ease the purchase of tickets to some extent.

Even though the CR is thinking of easing the purchase of tickets through the eight ATVMs, the step may not pay off as expected. There is general apprehension amongst the commuters that the ticket selling machines often fail and their money is lost in the transaction. The local CR officials often have to ire of such commuters.

It may be noted that around three to four lakh railway commuters use the station every day including almost 20,000 on the Thane Vashi railway link alone. The station earns revenue of around Rs 40 lakh per day from the sale of tickets, season tickets as well as tickets of long distance trains. Despite the huge daily revenue the CR had been unable to provide more ticket counters thereby prompting angry protests from the commuters.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/thane/Eight-ATVMs-to-be-installed-at-Thane-station/articleshow/5079441.cms

Source (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mumbai-accident-Two-dead-12-injured/H1-Article1-468615.aspx)

Two people died and 12 were injured as a Kalyan-bound train rammed into the debris of a bridge bearing a water pipeline that collapsed onto the tracks between Mulund and Thane on Friday morning.

The root of the tragedy was a dispute between the Central Railway (CR) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

The bridge’s girders had cracked several times and the TMC tried to reconstruct the bridge in parts on more than 30
occasions, but each time the girders cracked again or their supporting structures slipped.

Source (http://www.topnews.in/train-stuck-tunnel-commuters-panic-2227300)
The Karjat-Mumbai CST fast local came to a halt inside a tunnel for about an hour at Parsik near Thane station after the train developed a technical snag.

Scared passengers were stuck in the sweltering heat and started feeling suffocated after some time even though the fans and emergency lights were working.

They couldn’t use their cellphones as there was no network.

It was pitch dark outside and so we couldn’t go out of the train, said passengers.

The 1.3-km tunnel on the Thane-Kalyan section is Asia’s first railway tunnel built in 1854 and has been used for fast suburban and outstation trains.

An engine had to be called to push the train to Thane station and was later cancelled.

“The train came to a halt around 2.35 pm and was pulled out at 3.55 pm,” said Kantilal Visariya (49), a commuter and a resident of Ambernath who was stuck in the train. “We all panicked.”

Fed up of sitting inside for more than an hour, Visariya tried to jump out of the train, but was injured.

“The railways did not make any arrangements to evacuate us,” he said.

Railway officials termed the incident as a “unit failure”.

Is the design for new skywalks different from the one in Bandra E. Bandra W skywalk looks tall and narrow with concrete pillars. It looks better than the existing one as of now. Hopefully, they dont ruin it by painting it yellow. I guess it should be ready within next 3 months

Is the design for new skywalks different from the one in Bandra E. Bandra W skywalk looks tall and narrow with concrete pillars. It looks better than the existing one as of now. Hopefully, they dont ruin it by painting it yellow. I guess it should be ready within next 3 months

Indiadreams..where does the Bandra W flyover end ? Also, do we know where the Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd line will pass when approaching Bandra station ?

^^ you mean skywalk?
I think the southern side ends on the tip of the island on SV Road, just before the Bandra flyover. On the northern side, it ends almost near the junction of SV Road and Linking Road. I think there are few more exits. Other forumers might know.

Regarding Metro, detailed aligments are not yet released. I believe there will be lotta challenges near Bandra Station, as is happening in Andheri now.

^^ you mean skywalk?
I think the southern side ends on the tip of the island on SV Road, just before the Bandra flyover. On the northern side, it ends almost near the junction of SV Road and Linking Road. I think there are few more exits. Other forumers might know.

Regarding Metro, detailed aligments are not yet released. I believe there will be lotta challenges near Bandra Station, as is happening in Andheri now.

Yup ...my bad...I meant skywalk. Thanks for the explanation.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/3122/397868934583a4576338.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/397868934583a4576338.jpg/)

Source: Anita Anand

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/3122/397868934583a4576338.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/397868934583a4576338.jpg/)

Source: Anita Anand

That's a crystal clear photograph :cheers: I have read that the trains are painted yellow in front so that linemen can see the trains in dark. Yellow spoils the looks. They could have painted it white and have added reflectors as well. White is also quite visible in dark.

I feel that the old trains had more sturdy look. I dunno it might just be me.

That's a crystal clear photograph :cheers: I have read that the trains are painted yellow in front so that linemen can see the trains in dark. Yellow spoils the looks. They could have painted it white and have added reflectors as well. White is also quite visible in dark.

Just to correct you trains were painted fluoresent yellow so that the lineman can see train during the day time . Earlier it was painted black and there were complains from the lines man that the were only able to spot the train when it was very close and was dangerous.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4002/30102009007007.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/30102009007007.jpg/)

Source: Hindustan Times

Just to correct you trains were painted fluoresent yellow so that the lineman can see train during the day time . Earlier it was painted black and there were complains from the lines man that the were only able to spot the train when it was very close and was dangerous.

For day time visibility a dark colour is used. At day time, train would be visible anyways.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4002/30102009007007.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/30102009007007.jpg/)

Source: Hindustan Times

2 year trial runs for introducing more such trains !!!

15 rake train on trial run for two years ?? ...2 years ?...why should a trial run take two years ? ...someone please explain it to me :bash:

we are like this only. no?

must be a typo..
i have never heard of a trial run extending for 2 years..even lesser..

why are there 6 people in the pilot room?

they somehow came to know this was gonna get published in Hindustan Times ;)

^^LMAO

those sneaky photo opportunistic blasterds.

the trial run is cause the last time they tried this Seimens cocked it up.

Cant blame the local authorities for this stance. Blame Seimens

why are there 6 people in the pilot room?

I too am never able to understand that. :nuts:

I too am never able to understand that. :nuts:

Photo Session is going on that's why they sneaked into the pilot room

Since this 15 raker is positioned as a special service, why not put doors on the cars to stop dumb#@es hanging out of them :bash: while the train is in motion. Aircon the danged thing and price it. 2 year trial??!

Did you guys note the small square re Matheran. State Govt officials had to visit 4 european countries to study funiculars to propose a replacement for a 2 km stretch. Some boondoggle that was. I wonder how many went and exactly what did they study?

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4002/30102009007007.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/30102009007007.jpg/)

Source: Hindustan Times

Since this 15 raker is positioned as a special service, why not put doors on the cars to stop dumb#@es hanging out of them :bash: while the train is in motion. Aircon the danged thing and price it. 2 year trial??!

Dont you think putting doors on trains that are going to be packed way-over their capacities is not feasible ? Unfortunately I dont think we can have doors on our suburban railway lines till at least some load is taken off them by parallel metros.

Dont you think putting doors on trains that are going to be packed way-over their capacities is not feasible ?

Yes, but by putting in doors and aircon - since these are designed to be a niched service - at least the safety factor will improve. The addition of doors will not hinder the packing 9or overpacking :)) of the cars in anyway - they will just make it safer, no?

Yes, but by putting in doors and aircon - since these are designed to be a niched service - at least the safety factor will improve. The addition of doors will not hinder the packing 9or overpacking :)) of the cars in anyway - they will just make it safer, no?

That's not a niche service. The ultimate plan is to upgrade all trains to 15 cars and all stations to accommodate such trains.

Did you guys note the small square re Matheran. State Govt officials had to visit 4 european countries to study funiculars to propose a replacement for a 2 km stretch. Some boondoggle that was. I wonder how many went and exactly what did they study?

Free Sarkari Vacation for these babus.

Niche or otherwise, all I am saying is that adding doors will I guess pack them in a tad tighter, but atleast get all of them alive to their destination reducing unfortunate accidental deaths. Granted that this might involve aircon or an alternate method of upping circulation within the cars - maybe have vents on the doors or some such simple solution? I have always wondered why no attention to safety is paid since my commuting days in college. Cant be that difficult.

Niche or otherwise, all I am saying is that adding doors will I guess pack them in a tad tighter, but atleast get all of them alive to their destination reducing unfortunate accidental deaths. Granted that this might involve aircon or an alternate method of upping circulation within the cars - maybe have vents on the doors or some such simple solution? I have always wondered why no attention to safety is paid since my commuting days in college. Cant be that difficult.

I had the same reaction when I saw the pictures, why no doors?

Many reasons -

1. Nobody cares if a person next to you falls to his/her death. The others will go on with their day as if nothing happened.

2. The value of life in a third world country is less important than that in a developed country. Sad but true. Safety is the least concerned of planners. When a beggar is hungry he is going to worry about getting food, he is not going to worry about getting enough nutrition in the food.

3. Relatives of the dead person are too scared (or simply unaware of their powers) of suing the authorities.

4. Last but not least, the innate "everything is Okay" mentality of majority of the population.

I can go on and on but it's not worth it.

Niche or otherwise, all I am saying is that adding doors will I guess pack them in a tad tighter, but atleast get all of them alive to their destination reducing unfortunate accidental deaths. Granted that this might involve aircon or an alternate method of upping circulation within the cars - maybe have vents on the doors or some such simple solution? I have always wondered why no attention to safety is paid since my commuting days in college. Cant be that difficult.

Trains with air conditioning, automated doors etc. like that of Delhi metro cost 5 times higher than those manufactured by/for IR. Delhi metro's new trains cost Rs. 7-8 crore per coach. This high cost is the main factor for not introducing such trains. Also the existing system itself is far inferior compared to a metro system. Therefore it would be more practical to improve the signalling and frequency first before introducing such rakes. Anyways, there would be some respite coming soon with commissioning of metro lines and more frequency and longer trains in suburban system.

TNN 5 November 2009, 02:50am IST (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/WB-may-fund-Virar-Alibaug-corridor-study/articleshow/5197934.cms)


MUMBAI: Planning for the 100-km corridor from Virar to Alibaug has got a shot in the arm with the World Bank (WB) expressing an interest in
financing the project's feasibility study. Additional metropolitan commissioner S V R Srinivasan confirmed that WB officials have evinced an interest in extending financial assistance for the initial study.

The connector, which will be first of its kind in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, will have rail as well as road links. While the project is expected to cost over Rs 10,000 crore, the feasibility study is estimated to cost around Rs 10 crore.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is in the process of finalising the contract for the initial study. Once completed, said MMRDA officials, the corridor will allow people to travel from Virar to Alibaug in a little over an hour.

According to MMRDA officers, several firms have shown an interest in carrying out the feasibility study which will help identify all possible challenges along the route.

^^ I hope at least this time they would think of making it with standards of a metro (AC trains, automatic fare collection, etc.) instead of throwing up another WR/CR like suburban line.

I would also hope for it to be high-speed if they ever get around to making it. If we really want to push Mumbai onto the hinterland we are going to need fast trains. It would have to pass through almost all of Navi Mumbai. I'm not sure they can negotiate that. To me it seems like a waste of 10 crores of money.

Since this 15 raker is positioned as a special service, why not put doors on the cars to stop dumb#@es hanging out of them :bash: while the train is in motion.

This is what the Japanese have to do to get the automated doors to close. Even if a single door is not closed the train can't leave the station. One staff wearing the white gloves off course for each coach. Expect the same in Mumbai if you have doors. Agreed that it would add a lot to the safety though.

Dp8jT_BM6xc

That video is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! No we cant have that happening in Bombay..

^^ its not hilarious... its inhuman.. was shocked seeing it!.. shoving people like goods? :bash:

At first I thought that guy with the black over-coat will be charged and taken to magistrate court for pushing people inside... :lol:

Thank god, no communists in India. :P

^^ its not hilarious... its inhuman.. was shocked seeing it!.. shoving people like goods? :bash:
Inhuman? At least they close the doors, so people don't die like they do in Mumbai when they fall out from the trains :bash:

Anyway, that video is from the Tokyo JR Chuo Line circa 1980s, it's not that bad anymore. (Still pretty crowded though...)

Inhuman? At least they close the doors, so people don't die like they do in Mumbai when they fall out from the trains :bash:

that bad anymore. (Still pretty crowded though...)


Can't happen in Mumbai

Can't happen in Mumbai

crazy! itz no better than Mumbai. High chances of people dying inside due to breath problems, especially the weak and old people.

^^ I hope at least this time they would think of making it with standards of a metro (AC trains, automatic fare collection, etc.) instead of throwing up another WR/CR like suburban line.

the cheapest way would be to extend to Harbour line from Panvel to Alibagh

and extending the harbour line from Andheri to Virar

no need to build separate lines for this....keep this as cheap as possible for the masses to travel.

that way you have connectivity to wherever you want in Mumbai....

Alibagh to Cst in 2:30 hours....travelling at about 35 km per hour....

or 2 hours to Cst by a fast train travelling at 50 km per hour.....

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Very nice. I'd recommend watching it too all you guys. Moistened my eyes more than once.

crazy! itz no better than Mumbai. High chances of people dying inside due to breath problems, especially the weak and old people.

Have seen this once at Shinjuku Station catching a train to Igukubo - mid2000s. No one has died because of this. There were deaths in the Tokyo subway once becoz of an attack with poison gas but never on account of the overcrowding and certainly none because of people falling off

http://static.indianexpress.com/m-images/2009-11-14/M_Id_119996_train_accident.jpg

MUMBAI:
Less than 36 hours after the derailment of a local train on Wednesday night, another Central Railway (CR) local derailed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) at the same spot, bringing train services to a halt during peak hours on Friday.

The CR has asked the Commissioner of Railway Safety to conduct an inquiry into the matter and check all the ‘cross-over’ tracks leading to CST. More than 1,300 trains enter or leave CST daily.

Friday’s derailment occurred at 7.02 am when a Kasara-CST (Kasara local no 2) local was entering platform 6.

The fifth and the sixth coaches derailed at the very spot where a Kalyan-CST local had derailed on Wednesday. The local had left Kasara around 4.12 am and was expected to reach CST at 6.54 am.

Sources said the tongue rail (the cross over) could have been damaged, leading to the derailment as it happened on Wednesday.

Source: Indianexpress

^^ :ohno:

source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Derailments-continue-to-push-railway-safety-off-track/541608

Derailments continue to push railway safety off track
Raghvendra Rao
Tags : railway accidents, India
Posted: Sunday , Nov 15, 2009 at 0402 hrs
New Delhi:

Of the 3,137 railway accidents that occurred in the past 11 years, a staggering 1,970 (62.79 percent) were caused due to train derailments, killing close to 540 persons including the seven killed in Saturday’s derailment of the 2462 Jodhpur-Delhi Mandor Superfast Express in Rajasthan. Over 2,050 persons have been injured in these derailments over the past decade.

Despite repeated claims of having improved its overall safety record, Indian Railways still finds itself grappling with the problem of bringing down the number of derailments that are happening all over its 63,273 km long network. Sources said the fact that close to 90,000 safety related posts are still lying vacant is the real reason why so many accidents are now being reported..

While Railway officials say that reasons for a derailment range from over-aged and worn out tracks to defects in the rolling stock to intentional damage to railway tracks, they do not deny that slackness on part of the ground staff or unavailability of ground staff as the probable reasons leading to derailments.

Source (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/WR-seeks-state-aid-for-elevated-rail-corridor/articleshow/5241171.cms)
MUMBAI: Western Railway (WR) has sought assistance from the state government for acquiring land to complete the Churchgate-Borivli elevated
corridor. The project was announced by former railway minister Lalu Prasad in the 2008 budget.

WR officials held a meeting with senior state officials on Tuesday to discuss the project. Principal secretary of Urban Development (UD) T C Benjamin said, "The track will be elevated from Virar to Mahalaxmi, but when it moves southwards, the corridor will not have enough space. It will either have to be built underground or would follow another route as there are many buildings en route. Besides, the railways are planning to take the corridor to Nariman Point.''

According to UD officials, land would have to be acquired for this. Besides, a huge plot of land will have to be given at Virar for the depot.

"We will write to the traffic police, BMC, MMRDA and revenue department seeking their objections and suggestions once the railways give a detailed plan,'' said Benjamin.

At present, it takes a little more than an hour-and-a-half for the journey from Churchgate to Virar. The corridor is expected to reduce the travel time. Senior officials said that they wanted it to be a fast service. "We will have AC coaches and the corridor will definitely be faster than the present one. The cost of the project and time-frame are still to be worked out,'' said Brijesh Dixit, chief engineer (constructions) of WR.

The railways has sought the BMC's help for approaches to the elevated corridor stations. "We are planning to build the stations on a public- private partnership basis,'' Dixit added.

Roana Maria Costa I TNN
(http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIM/2009/11/19&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00304&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)
Mumbai: Railway minister Mamata Banerjee may be in the city on Saturday to flag off the much-awaited 15-car rake. Senior railway ministry officials said the Passengers’ Services Committee (PSC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday afternoon and which would be followed by the panel meeting of divisional railway managers and the railways brass at the Western Railway headquarters, could be a precursor to the Union minister’s arrival in the city.
But other officials said that if she finally came here, she would be flagging off three Central Railway trains—the CST-Nagpur Duronto Express, the CSTKarwar Superfast and the Pune-Sholapur Superfast, besides extending the Hyderabad-Usmanabad train to Pune.
Banerjee will also inaugurate the first mechanised Indian Railway laundry at Wadi Bunder. This laundry will have the capacity to wash 2,000 bed-roll sets daily.
On Western Railway, she is expected to flag off two ladies’ specials, the Ajmer-Mumbai Central Superfast, the Bandra-Jodhpur Weekly, the Surat-Mumbai AC Superfast and the Mumbai-Somnath direct train. The Dadar Mid-Town Terminus could also be inaugurated if the minister comes, officials said.
Hectic preparations for the minister’s arrival are going on at both the railway headquarters. The minister would be coming from Kolkata where she would inaugurate the first Janahar cafetaria for the youth at Howrah.
Deepak Gandhi, president of Mumbai Suburban Railway Passengers’ Association, told TOI that they plan to file a public interest litigation opposing the 15-car project. On Wednesday, he sent a letter to Banerjee ‘‘not to encourage the project’’.
Gandhi is pushing for all trains to be converted from nine to 12 cars and before the railways take up other expansion plans.

CST to Churchgate?

MUMBAI: Indian Railways is looking for a way to link CST with Churchgate. Union railways minister Mamata Banerjee has commissioned a feasibility study for either an elevated corridor or an underground rail link between the two terminuses. This will ensure there is a train every minute instead of the current frequency of one train every three minutes (as trains will not need to terminate at either CST or Churchgate), she said.

But the idea of connecting the kilometre-long distance between the terminuses is not a new one. Urban development expert Shirish Patel, in fact, mooted the proposal three years ago at the Planning Commission. Railway officials said the project has been discussed for at least 15 years now but admit that the plan to increase frequency could be a practical one. Banerjee also assured Mumbaikars that getting 12-car rakes on the Harbour Line would be a priority.

CM Ashok Chavan prodded her for more jobs for those domiciled in the state. The recruitment policy, often attacked by regional parties in the state, too, was being changed, Banerjee said. Railway Recruitment Board examinations would be held on the same day and examinees could answer the questions in regional languages, including Marathi.

But it was Banerjee's promise to get a feasibility study done for a CST-Churchgate link that became the talking point. Officials said there were lots of issues to be sorted out.

Banerjee, who was in the city for the first time in her new tenure to inaugurate several railway projects, also said elevated road corridors above railway tracks between Thane and CST and Dahisar and Churchgate would solve Mumbaikars' commuting problems.
Banerjee announced a scholarship for the daughter of a motorman who died in a Thane mishap. Dy CM Chhagan Bhujbal said the Mumbai-Nagpur Duronto must have daily frequency and be renamed Sachin Tendulkar Express.

Lol Sachin Tendulkar Express..

I think the easiest would be to build a tunnel along the following route:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8283/screenshot001h.png

well they should atleast try to link Buyculla to Bombay central, not only for mumbai but will link many other rail junctions in the country to bombay cental

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3898/60854673.jpg

Hindustan Times

They have absolutely mastered the art of incrementalism:ohno:

One 15-car train and they go Ga-ga:bash:

Yeah they certainly have. Otherwise what train in the world carries 5000 people at a time?

They have absolutely mastered the art of incrementalism:ohno:

One 15-car train and they go Ga-ga:bash:

Pushing the peanut - one centimetre at a time :ohno:

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5859/89737187.jpg

Hindustan Times

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/A-smoother-commute-not-distant-dream/articleshow/5280510.cms

A smoother commute not distant dream
Roana Maria Costa, TNN 29 November 2009, 04:21am ISTText Size:|Topics:Integral Coach Factory
Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation
Siemens Germany

CHENNAI: If all goes as planned, Mumbai could get as many as six new Siemens-Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) 12-car rakes every month. That is, if both Central and Western railways agree to standard coaches under the second phase of MUTP.

Senior officials from the Integral Coach factory (ICF) said they were in talks with MRVC and the MMRDA to jack up production rates. At present, ICF manufactures as many as 72 variations of coaches as both the railways have different coach specifications and positioning. This mismatch slows down the manufacturing process. As of now, the city gets four new trains every month.

Senior officials said commuters could also look forward to a less bumpy ride from May 2010 as 54 coaches will have bogies,which have better suspension, shipped in from Siemens Germany.

Under the MUTP-II, there are also plans to build rakes using stainless steel. These trains will last as long as 40 years as opposed to the present 25 years. The rakes will also be lighter, need lesser maintenance and be corrosion resistant. "However, the cost of each rake will be at least double the current Rs 27 crore,'' said chief workshop engineer at ICF, S Srinivas.

In the backdrop of the recent Thane accident where a motorman lost his life after a girder crashed on to the train he was piloting, the railways is planning to provide an escape door behind the drivers' seats, which opens into the adjoining coach. "This will reduce two seats in the adjacent coach. We are awaiting orders from the railway board; however, the plan is feasible,'' said B G Mallaya, chief electrical engineer, ICF. The plan to have all motormen's coaches air-conditioned has already been approved.

The railways are planning bio-metric toilets on the shuttles between Vasai Road, Diva and Panvel by March 2010. The same technology is used on the Rewa express and the Prayagraj express.

The ICF plans to increase train testing facilities so that the time required for this once the train reach Mumbai is reduced. "We used to the manufacture around 1.5 rakes per month, but the production cycle was jacked up after requests from transport officials from Mumbai. We are now churning out as many as 4.5 rakes every month. Once, we produced six rakes with the same staff and infrastructure,'' said an official.

I would like to put in a request. I have a complain/discussion letter that I have written on Mumbai local railway. Its two page long word document with one photo. Can I post it here. I need the permission of SSCI members who visit this thread and provide their input in this thread. Would it be ok? It is long, would you all be comfortable with it?
Thank you for your input and support. The letter is my opinion only.

Under the MUTP-II, there are also plans to build rakes using stainless steel. These trains will last as long as 40 years as opposed to the present 25 years. The rakes will also be lighter, need lesser maintenance and be corrosion resistant. "However, the cost of each rake will be at least double the current Rs 27 crore,'' said chief workshop engineer at ICF, S Srinivas.


Why purchase long lasting trains? Do they want to run such trains in Mumbai forever? 40 years means these trains will be servicing Mumbai till 2050, the time when India will be so developed and our commercial capital will still be having trains where people travel standing on the doors :bash:.

I would like to put in a request. I have a complain/discussion letter that I have written on Mumbai local railway. Its two page long word document with one photo. Can I post it here. I need the permission of SSCI members who visit this thread and provide their input in this thread. Would it be ok? It is long, would you all be comfortable with it?
Thank you for your input and support. The letter is my opinion only.

It's ok with me :)

It's ok with me :)


+1

+2

+3

+4

+5 Please do post it here.

Busfan I liked your website and blog on MRVC rakes. Very informative. I will post my letter in the next reply. I would like to mention that this is my opinion. Some of the discussion in the letter was already carried out in past in this thread. Enjoy and feel free to suggest any corrections, changes or additions. Please bare with me as this is a rough draft. Busfan can I please add this letter in your blog as well. Read this letter here and let me know if its ok to do so.

Dear Indian Railway officials, government decision makers and concerned fellow citizens who visit this website and this thread in particular to study public opinion. We all know what a good train with modern amenities looks like. Let's call it a world class train since you like to use this term quite often. An example of which is more like this: (I am assuming this one is diesel but a electric version is also available and I am sure it can be made/engineered to ride/run on a broad gauge track)
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/96/proastiakos.jpg
Photo of a Greek suburban railway train (Proastiakos).

I am not just talking about exterior aesthetics. Which I think is important. There is a good reason behind why this is a good train. It is faster and so has better frequency (I know good signalling is also important for good frequency) and so higher carrying capacity and less load on each train, aerodynamic which makes it efficient in energy consumption and speed, comfortable ride (advance/smoother regenerative braking and high-tech suspension), good interior ambience, comfortable seating, good ventilation and air-conditioning which is good for a hot tropical climate like Mumbai and dense commuter traffic, automatic doors for safety at any speeds (specially high speeds), advance communication/public address system, automatic train control system, anti collision device, anti corrosion materials, stain resistant special exterior paint/modern paint scheme/livery (it looks really good - I am sure you will agree with me), vestibule coaches, light weight, stainless steel rakes, air-conditioned and user friendly train cockpit with centralized display/LCD panel, microprocessor based/digital technology, AC motors/voltage rakes with advance/high-tech propulsion system, GPS/stationdisplay, good quality workmanship and materials etc. Now I know, you are aware of these trains and you are implementing some of these features in your new trains you are procuring for Mumbai and other cities in India as well. Now some of these features you won't implement simply because you think it may not be financially feasible or technically wise. One of the problem being Super-Dense Crush Load and the other problem being the mindset if it works why change or we are not ready for it yet (will we ever be ready). But in this process we ignore the basic duty for which you have been chosen for, which is to give the best possible service to every citizen of this country even if it means to change. Let's move on with time rather than stay with an old mindset. Chalta hai to chalne do is not helping us. Now back to Super-Dense Crush Load - read this article:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/bombay/Main%20article5.shtml
This article talks more on transit planning then type of trains but the common issue is commuter traffic. This is one of the many solutions I am sure you are all aware of as well. Then why this poor, inadequate planning/services or let's say late entry/planning. Now you may argue that in Super- Dense Crush Load you cannot have features like automatic doors, sealed windows etc. and the reason being the commuters will suffocate and it would be impossible to close automatic doors. You will suggest it is not technically possible or wise. They have a similar problem in Tokyo, Japan as well and they implemented this basic technologies that go in a world class train. I am not some transportation or train design guru. But this is a no brainer - How many commuters die each day by falling from running trains or become unconscious or even die from extreme heat and suffocation. The illness and stress they suffer due to exhaustion is well know as well. Are commuters life less important than your mindset or politics. Why give us these half good trains/services when we as citizen of this great country and humans of this planet deserve the very best, just like everyone else. Why this discrimination. Now everyone has an opinion and I respect yours - for instance let's say I agree with your argument on the features of these new trains, what can we have and what we cannot. But we can always add additional services like AC trains exclusively meant for let's say in railway terms ultra luxury/super/AC first class which our honourable railway ministers in the past and present have promised. Now, I personally think all trains and services should be like this - world class. Since it is not possible to replace all trains with these world class trains as you have already brought new local trains and have trains already running on local lines - we can implement it as AC first class only trains or on a phase manner/basis. If you wish, this can also be done on a trial basis. Now make sure you procure the real world class trains (we don't care where they are made, it would be good if they are made in India, if not that's fine as well). From my previous experiences I have seen our responsible officials tag world class to anything, even if it is century old with new paint. You really think our citizens are unaware of what really is out there in terms of world class. Now is this financially feasible? In my opinion yes it is - take the hundreds of studies carried out over the years for introducing such services - all said/outcome of these studies - it is feasible. If Delhi, Mumbai metro railways etc. can implement these world class services and be successful doing it, then why can't Local/suburban trains in Mumbai and all over India implement the same. I am sure in the future, newly built Mumbai metro will have the same problems our current local/suburban railway system in Mumbai has considering the traffic patterns, commuter traffic and population of Mumbai. Why are then Mumbai local /suburban railway and other local railways in India neglected, discriminated against and are in this age old void. Why because they are mainly used by poor aam admi. We all are aware of the economic boom/prosperity and wonders of our great nation then shouldn't her benefits be distributed equally to the complete spectrum of masses/population/diasporas. Same goes for station design with proper commuter traffic dispersal and proper transit/transportation planning including integration with other modes of transportation, feeder services and interchange with other modes of transit. Other issue is regular maintenance of our infrastructure in order to keep it in good state. The current state of our stations and other infrastructure can be described as in complete shambles. Even shambles would be an understatement. Why this utter negligence to what you admit is the lifeline of Mumbai/our cities. Is this the image you want to portray of India/Are we portraying the right image of India whom we love to call and consider a major/world power. World class infrastructure is what we need and is what we demand of you. MRVC, Mumbai metro and monorail is definitely a good start/step forward. We do appreciate the effort. Projects planned in MRVC, Mumbai metro and monorail will help take load off from our current railway and road infrastructure in Mumbai - trains, stations and get rid of cars from city roads. Local railway's use is over stretched and these new projects are the need of the hour. Speedy implementation of all transportation/infrastructure projects is a must or we will have a catastrophe for which you will be blamed for and be late to solve. Century old practices have to end. Strategically looking this will help create new jobs in the city, prosper economic growth, connect city/lost links, reduce pollution and reduce commuter hardship. Give our citizen's a decent life which they truly deserve as they are the true makers of our great nation. If you want our votes, love, admiration and respect, then do a good and complete job. Empty promises and slow progress won't work. Remember anything/everything is possible if you have the will to do it.

^^ Good thoughts you have put in here :cheers:

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Indian Express

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Indian Express

Dear Indian Railway officials, government decision makers and concerned fellow citizens who visit this website and this thread in particular to study public opinion. We all know what a good train with modern amenities looks like. Let's call it a world class train since you like to use this term quite often. An example of which is more like this: (I am assuming this one is diesel but a electric version is also available and I am sure it can be made/engineered to ride/run on a broad gauge track)
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/96/proastiakos.jpg
Photo of a Greek suburban railway train (Proastiakos).
....




More than 55% of train trips on the Indian Railways either start or end in Mumbai. (This is a fact). Why then do we still have the worst stations?

More than 6 million people pay money to use the Mumbai Suburban Network EVERY DAY. Why does that money not get used to support Mumbai's network?


Mumbairail: Please include photos of world class trains in Africa & China. There is no excuse for such terrible infrastructure. China is also a developing country, but their infrastructure is decades ahead.

Train in Morocco (AFRICA):
http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/moroccorail/images/2-citadis-train.jpg

the fact of the matter is guys Mumbaikars are a undisciplined bunch

that new train will have all kinds of pan beedi and other stuff spat on it.

Secondly closing doors means that somebody is going to get crushed at the doors.....

We lack the basic etiquette to let the people off first and then get on. I have seen people not being able to get off at their station cause the people coming into the train just dont allow them.


So cant blame the IR for running dump rakes.... when a new train came down my parts within a few weeks it had all kinds of pest control adverts pan chewing gum, you name it.

there was also some kid shitting in the train.....

The problem is the with the IR ministry itself. They need to change the way IR functions. Prevent corruption right deep in its roots. Also we need a futuristic Rail minister. :|

WHY CANT WE SIMPLY CHARGE HIGH FINES FOR SPITTING ETC AND ACTUALLY HAVE THE MONEY GO TOWARD IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE???????????

If 55% of trains actually terminate in Mumbai, that means that IR is NOTHING without it. If the citizens called some sort of strike and didn't use either suburban trains nor allowed national trains into the city, their revenue would be crippled to the point that they would need some sort of bailout/stimulus package. Why don't the people learn that the hell they are doing when they push their way into trains and leave paan stains and pass lecherous comments at women in the other compartment (I mean, COME ON! It's the 21st century and we still have to fucking segregate compartments based on gender??) I don't know a single foreigner who would actually want to use suburban rail as a mode of transport, because it frankly sucks for international standards. Sure, we have made some progress here and there with these nice looking Siemens trains (which apparently had issues working during their first monsoon), but when you get to the core of it all, we still are dealing with overcrowding, filth, segregation, corruption, beat-down stations the list just goes on! Yet Mumbai alone can have full control over the nations railways, who are not doing their jobs but pocketing our money. I'm tired of this, and I'm sure you all are. This is why I am proposing we take some sort of action. Remember when there was a train mischeduling or something last July? And the entire neighobrhood came and stood in front of the train in protest in order to get that service back? Clearly, we as a city have power, and we need to let the IR know that we are not going to put up with their shit anymore. No violence, please, but if I saw protests throughout Mumbai asking for better service I would be the happiest person alive, because I would know the at least the people see their power to change their situations. It all starts at the roots, guys.

Jai Mumbai, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Hind. (Yeah, I feel this is a big one coming from me :))


Side note: I put in bold cause I think its kinda important.

There should be no need to protest or strike. The people who run IR are civil SERVANTS, meaning they are to serve the people of India.

Rather, they end up just pocketing the money.

The only way for Mumbai's railways to get better is if we have a rail minister from B'bay.

or we do not have a ministry at all and instead have an autonomous body which is actually accountable for its actions!!!!

the fact of the matter is guys Mumbaikars are a undisciplined bunch

that new train will have all kinds of pan beedi and other stuff spat on it.

Secondly closing doors means that somebody is going to get crushed at the doors.....

We lack the basic etiquette to let the people off first and then get on. I have seen people not being able to get off at their station cause the people coming into the train just dont allow them.


So cant blame the IR for running dump rakes.... when a new train came down my parts within a few weeks it had all kinds of pest control adverts pan chewing gum, you name it.

there was also some kid shitting in the train.....
same thing was being said about delhi metro.....that delhites will spit pan everyhere.......

same thing was being said about delhi metro.....that delhites will spit pan everyhere.......

so the solution for mumbai is to have a 2 tier system

keep the metro and monorail ticket prices expensive enough for the middle class to use them.

Let the poor use IR locals...

+4

so the solution for mumbai is to have a 2 tier system

keep the metro and monorail ticket prices expensive enough for the middle class to use them.

Let the poor use IR locals...

i think there is some misjudgement here!!!!!!!!

i think there is some misjudgement here!!!!!!!!

i think you mean discrimination

if you do then those are can afford metro should go by it...

WHY CANT WE SIMPLY CHARGE HIGH FINES FOR SPITTING ETC AND ACTUALLY HAVE THE MONEY GO TOWARD IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE???????????

.

The issue boil down to enforcement. Who will collect the fine? Who will ensure that fines collected are deposited into their proper accounts? How do you stop the fine collector from pocketing a bribe that is a fraction of the fine and letting the perp go? Essentially, who will police the police...Its just sad that we need laws to prohibit folks from unhygienic acts :ohno:

^^ On second thoughts, have a shoot at sight law for people who are caught spitting, pissing, shi**ing and engaging in other unsanitary activities - do teen maarey jaayengey - baaki sab sudhar jaayengey :lol:

I wud suggest something along the lines of a voluntary police service. Lets see who would join that.

I wud suggest something along the lines of a voluntary police service. Lets see who would join that.

people who want to eat money.

I fully support IR running dump rakes.

People lack civic sense.

Its the same on the roads.Any tom dick and harry gets a driving license. Then we wonder why there is road safety lacking......

Not just the poor, many aunties i know cant drive for shit but still ply the roads dangerously in their cars....

and forget about stopping at a signal or zebra. Many even skip the signals.

what needs to happen is a collective series of kick of people's backside.

:|

by that reasoning nothing should ever improve in india

enforce local laws, improve infra and quality. i would have thought thats the best way forward. not throw up your hands and just continue with the same crap

:|

.......enforce local laws, ...

True. We have a libraryfull of laws and regulation. Just about the weakest enforcement though

:|

by that reasoning nothing should ever improve in india

enforce local laws, improve infra and quality. i would have thought thats the best way forward. not throw up your hands and just continue with the same crap


or rather introduce a 2 tier system with the metro and suburban and define roles for them

monorail/metro-more expensive, air conditioned , clean tightly enforced cleanliness by private sector.

suburban primary aim cheap affordable for the masses government control and all that comes with it.

two sets of laws depending on income and whether its govt. or privately controlled. sounds like an excellent plan

two sets of laws depending on income and whether its govt. or privately controlled. sounds like an excellent plan

haha :lol::lol::lol::lol:

since this is a bombay rail discussion forum, here goes...

does anyone know who is ghanshyamdas saraf?

since this is a bombay rail discussion forum, here goes...

does anyone know who is ghanshyamdas saraf?

Water fountain, Platform benches

Ghanshyamdas Saraf is the father of MAHAVIRPRASAD G. SARAF, Chairman of Supertex Group. The son manages a trust in the name of the father and provides these amenities at the stations.

two sets of laws depending on income and whether its govt. or privately controlled. sounds like an excellent plan

whether you like it not thats exactly whats going to happen with the metro construction.

Plus its not the set of laws. Who is stopping the gov form keeping the local stations and services clean and running on time with sufficient capacity?

its about practicality.

The tier system is not the official written law. But a sort of de facto one which will emerge as we know the government's track record.

Water fountain, Platform benches

Ghanshyamdas Saraf is the father of MAHAVIRPRASAD G. SARAF, Chairman of Supertex Group. The son manages a trust in the name of the father and provides these amenities at the stations.

thanks!!

Source (http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_soon-12-coaches-for-thane-panvel_1319410)Mumbai: The New Year will bring joy to railway commuters residing in Navi Mumbai and its surrounding areas. Come April 2010, the Central Railway (CR) plans to start its first 12-coach service on the harbour line between Thane and Panvel.

"There is an immense demand for services on the harbour line as it is the direct link between Thane and Panvel," a senior CR official said.

The service will start once platforms between Thane and Nerul are extended from 9-coach to 12-coach; work for which is currently underway. The CR is also building a yard for remodelling work at Belapur.

"Once these works finish by end-February or March next year, we will be able to run the first 12-coach rake between Thane and Panvel via Nerul," an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) official said. "The service, however, will have to be a super fast one that halts at all stations between Thane and Nerul, and onwards halts only at Kharghar, Belapur and Panvel, where there is space to halt 12-coach trains."

Previously, there have been talks of studies being undertaken to check feasibility of running 12-coach trains on harbour line. "Those studies are still on but there are lot of issues that need to be addressed before running 12-coach services on the CST-Panvel harbour line. One problem being; the stations are close to each other," the IRTS official said. "So instead of waiting, we have decided to start work on the Thane-Panvel line,
which caters to large number of commuters."

Development on track
The Central Railway (CR) can add almost 90 times more services compared to 1997-98 after the increase in 12-coach services. In 1997-98, CR ran 63 12-coach services every day as against the522 that run today.

The coach-wise carrying capacity has also gone up by 20% compared to 2007-08. "Despite an increase in the number of daily passengers the crowding per coach has reduced," SC Mudgerikar, chief PRO, CR said.

Western & Central Railways Race To Induct New Rakes, Retrofitting Old Ones Also On
Roana Maria Costa | TNN
Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR) are in a t u g - o f - w a r which Mumbai’s commuters are enjoying thoroughly. Both are in a bid to outdo each other to get more of the new 12-coach DC-AC powered MRVC-Siemens rakes in their fleet. As of now WR seems to be leading with a tally of 44 new hi-tech rakes (CR has exactly half at 22) but CR officials say around 30 new rakes will now chug into their stables till April. Besides, CR is also retrofitting old rakes.
Senior officials said after WR could not cope with the new rakes, on CR’s demand 34 rakes from the first batch have been redistributed to them from October-end.
“The new MRVC-Siemens rakes had major traction failures which slowed down the DC-AC conversion on the Western line. The new rakes are compatible on both tractions and played a huge role in traction change,” said a senior official.
“The Railway Board has decided to add on an average 4-5 rakes per month to the CR fleet in the next six months,” said another railway official.
Moreover, CR is also in the process of retrofitting its fleet. Behind the high walls of the Matunga workshop, CR has already converted one DC train (powered by 1500v) to a DC-AC compatible one.
Work started early this year on trains younger than 15 years. The new trains will be modified both internally and externally to look like the new violet-and-white MRVC-Siemens AC-DC rakes. The makeover adds 25 years to their life and costs Rs 13 crore per train.
By December 2012, there will not be a single old rake running—either the new rakes or the retrofitted ones will replace the old ones on the Mainline of CR.
But all is not easy as it seems. The Integral coach Factory (ICF) has electric fittings available for only 131 rakes. By March, 94 new rakes will utilise these. What happens to the remaining sets will be decided by the Railway Board. “There were plans to retrofit 39 DC rakes, we aren’t so sure now,” said the official.
Managing director of MRVC, P C Sehgal told TOI that by March 2011 the fast corridors of both CR and WR will be fully 12-car while 20% of coaches on the slow corridor will be 12-car rakes.
“According to a study carried out by MRVC, the load per train has been brought down from 5,000 to 4,300 persons. We aim to get it down to 3,600 by the end of MUTP-1. By the second phase of MUTP there are plans to make both corridors run 12-car trains and reduce the commuter load to 3,000. If the Harbour line project is sanctioned soon then by 2015 it too would get 12-car rakes,” he said.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIM/2009/12/03/6/Img/Pc0061600.jpg

Roana Maria Costa | TNN

Mumbai: Even as the first 15-car rake was flagged off on November 21 by Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee, officials have headed to the board room to dicuss as to how the project can be put on the fast track and pump in as many 15-car rakes as possible to make commutes much easier.
The longest suburban train is now plying on an experimental basis between Dadar and Virar. It halts only at fast stations such as Andheri, Borivli and Vasai Road as these stations have the capacity to accommodate 24 coaches.
According to the feasibility report, the project will be implemented in two phases at a total cost of Rs 1,100 crore. However, it will take at least another three-four years before the entire project is implemented under MUTP-II.
The first phase of the project has three stages: the experimental stage which is currently on; the second involves halting the train at all fast stations between Grant Road and Virar; the third would mean involve the service up to Churchgate (Rs 100 core). The second phase includes train halts at all stops between Churchgate and Virar at a cost of Rs 500 crore.
Highly placed sources in the railways said 50% of the stage II cost will be used to get the rolling stock in place. “The project will involve massive civil engineering, signalling and electrical changes to suit the longer train as well as procurement of new rakes, increase in sub-stations and maintenance facilities. It would include platform extension, signal re-spacing etc,” said an official.
According to the feasibility report carried out by RITES in consultation with WR and MRVC, there are plans to have a double halt for the 15-car rake at Bandra. “Either have the double halts or build a temporary extension at one of the platforms at a cost of Rs 38.2 lakh,’’ the official said. He added that would be a part of MUTP-III, which will kick-start only after 2014. Interestingly, even though the 12-car rakes were introduced on WR in 1986, it took about five years before the second one plied on the suburban line.
“WR and MRVC will ask for public feedback after which the plan will take shape. The major issue here is getting the project sanctioned; this depends on the Indian Railways and the Government of Maharashtra, as well as other committees,’’ he said.

QUICK WHEELS

The total cost of the two-phase project will be Rs 1,100 crore

Phase I has three stages:

Experimental run of the 15-car rake is currently on
Second phase includes halts at all fast stations between Grant Road & Virar

Third stage will include Churchgate (Rs 100 crore)



Phase II will create halts at all stops from Churchgate & Virar and cost Rs 500 crore

The unknown man who demanded that window grills in local trains be removed so that he could spit out paan
MD (http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/031209-window-grills-local-trains-paan-MRVC.htm)
Mumbaikars are never satisfied with whatever they're offered.
The officials of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), which manufactures the new age Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) white and purple rakes, are the worst victims of the absurd demands of the Mumbai commuter.

And the weirdest demand the ICF has received is to remove the window grill of the trains to allow commuters to easily spit out of the train.

"We are surprised at how someone can demand a facility, which will enable him to spit out paan or whatever they chew.

http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2009/dec/train1.jpg
WHAT A BAD IDEA, SIRJI: Commuters do not want window grills to be removed.

The demand is absurd not only from the cleanliness point of view, but also because it is a safety hazard to keep the windows open without a grill when local trains are susceptible to stone throwing," said an ICF official.

According to ICF, the demand has come by way of feedback from the public who travel by the trains.

"The railway administration is struggling with the cleaning of trains, especially the paan and ghutkha stains and graffiti. And then there's this stupid demand," said another official.

Other demands

But MRVC claims to have not received any such demand. Its managing director, P C Sehgal, said, "The ICF may have received this demand from the zonal railway authorities.

That's not to say that we have not received some strange demands. One of them is about providing toilets inside the local trains!"

There have also been other impractical demands like trains with doors that shut as soon as it's in motion and also air-conditioned trains.

"Sometimes, people even demand drastic increase in services without considering the infrastructure, including the number of new rakes, and also the present working conditions in the Mumbai suburban system," said Sehgal.

'Foolish'

Commuter Rajendra More (32), who travels from Belapur to CST, is shocked to hear about this demand. "This is a foolish idea.

It'll affect the safety of commuters," he said. Added Chintan Upadhyay, who travels from Ghatkopar to Dadar every day, "It's a bad idea because the grills offer security. But people will continue to dirty trains."

Constructive Suggestions

Some of the improvements carried out in the new rakes based on commuter's suggestions are:
>> Extra grab poles at the door were removed
>> Handle added to the sliding door
>> Grab rails inside the trains were reduced from three to two rows
>> Leg space between the seats in the first class compartment was increased after complaints
>> Establishing full partition between ladies and general compartments

^^ We are like that only! Variety is the spice of life :lol:

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Hindustan Times

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Hindustan Times

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Hindustan Times

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Hindustan Times

^^This is such a criminal waste of time and taxpayer money. I dont know why the media won't take up issues like this. There is clearly no need for this link when Line 3 of the Metro gets built. Give Didi some bad publicity at this time and she'll drop it like a hot potato.

^^This is such a criminal waste of time and taxpayer money. I dont know why the media won't take up issues like this. There is clearly no need for this link when Line 3 of the Metro gets built. Give Didi some bad publicity at this time and she'll drop it like a hot potato.

Even bad publicity for Singur at her home turf could not derail her evil plans :bash:, this is nothing compared to that.

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Hindustan Times

Even bad publicity for Singur at her home turf could not derail her evil plans :bash:, this is nothing compared to that.

I thought Singur won her the election :) ...regardless, this is a criminal waste ....there has to be one transportation authority for a city so that needless duplication is avoided. A RITES study that will run into crores, for a project the Railways insiders themselves say is never going to see the light of day, should not be allowed.

Classic example of talk and no action. This has been under discussion for 25 years! They do prelim studies which determines the need for a "Detailed Study". Good on the consultant - double dipping! Now they will need a plan to fasttrack the detailed study first :lol: Aayayay - yeh kahani chalti rahegi.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rlys-works-on-plan-to-put-harbour-line-on-fast-track/551123/0
Rlys works on plan to put harbour line on fast trackPrashant Rangnekar Posted online: Tuesday , Dec 08, 2009 at 2335 hrs

Mumbai : As the railways tries hard to introduce the 12-coach train on the harbour line, a feasibility study has already been carried out by it to ascertain whether a fast corridor can be started on the harbour line.
“A fast corridor is must on the harbour line. A preliminary study has been done, but a detailed study needs to be done :wallbash:,” said Pramod Chander Sehgal, managing director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC). A consultant too, was appointed to carry out this preliminary study.

The report has suggested around seven options to have a fast corridor on the harbour line of which only a few are being considered. One of the suggested options is to use the slow corridor till Cotton Green station and build the fast corridor from there. “We have land issues till Cotton Green. We can acquire land after Cotton Green. The Bombay Port Trust (BPT) land can be used for this purpose,” said Sehgal. “The stations starting from Vashi are well-equipped to accommodate fast trains.”

If land acquisition becomes an issue, building either an underground railway system or an elevated railway can be thought of, says the report. Another option is to bring trains to track numbers 5 and 6 in Kurla— these tracks are being constructed under the Phase I of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) for long distance trains—and then allow them to travel to Navi Mumbai.

The railways have to construct a parallel bridge along the existing one over the Thane creek and would require clearances from various agencies like the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). “The railways already have a Right of Way to construct the bridge that can very well accommodate the fast track line,” said Sehgal.

Commuters travelling on the harbour line have been demanding a fast corridor for years, but the project has failed to take off. “It’s been a discussion for the last 20-25 years, but nothing has worked out. Apart from land issues, there are technical issues like remodeling of the CST station as harbour line has only two stations at CST. There is little scope to have more platforms. It also needs coordination of various agencies and ministries in the state and Centre,” said a senior Central Railway (CR) officer.

“Forget the mega project like fast track corridor on harbour line. We are not getting Rs 800 crore for the introduction of 12-coach train on harbour line.”

^^
:ohno::ohno:
:bash::bash:
:evil::evil:
:down::down:
:mad::mad:
:gaah::gaah:
:wtf::wtf:
:cry::cry:
:wallbash::wallbash:
:badnews::badnews:

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Indian Express

^^ On second thoughts, have a shoot at sight law for people who are caught spitting, pissing, shi**ing and engaging in other unsanitary activities - do teen maarey jaayengey - baaki sab sudhar jaayengey :lol:


We need an ad campaign - preferably starring Amitabh Bacchhan / Amir Khan / Shah Rukh - telling 'aam-janata' to clean up their act.

There was one ad pertaining to polio vaccinations - very direct, very apt and without too much acrimony in the message. Within 2 years of that ad, parents did take notice and reminded themselves to vaccinate their children.

You do need hard enforcements but 'softly-softly-shaming' of the public by well known personalities also does the job.

But then ... saala aisa advertisement ke liye bade star log, peti-peti se paisa maangte hein.. Kya kare !

p2p4

hmm i thought the entire point of connecting cst to churchgate was to hmm start a circle line to increase trains per hour?

I also read a thane to borivali line along the ghodbunder road....maybe part of that grand plan?

so the central and western railways will be linked in one big circle

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Indian Express

This is absolutely unnecessary planning. Just wait for Metro to start, it is going to work and take loads of the suburban trains. Another way to decongest the load in the train is have a organized road traffic and infrastructure. Nothing of big bashing planning is needed but just simple planning and organization.

Better spend this much money to build MTHL and a parallel rail line.

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Indian Express

At last someone's paid them back with their own coin.

^^

Haha. Well said.

source: http://savebombay.wordpress.com/

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Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation’s concept note for Mumbai Urban
Transport Project III figures some highly ambitious changes to the
city’s rail network from adding train corridors to increasing length
of local trains

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is finally out with the
concept note for Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) III that will
be ready between 2012 and 2018. P C Sehgal, MD of MRVC, said, “The
plan for MUTP III has been prepared based on various suggestions by
Central and Western Railway, state government bodies and commuter
feedback. Right now it only reflects transportation needs. It needs
to be studied further.†The MUTP phase one is already being
implemented and will be completed by June 2010. The second phase,
sanctioned in the railway budget, is targeted for completion by 2013.
MUTP-1 and 2 will segregate suburban trains from outstation and
freight trains and peak crowding is expected to be around 335
passengers per coach.


PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

EXTENDING HARBOUR LINE TO BALLARD PIER IN SOUTH MUMBAI THE NEED: This
will allow passengers to directly reach the heart of the city’s
business district and will lower the congestion around Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus. Also, the passenger load at CST will reduce with
Ballard Pier becoming the starting point for harbour trains.
Connectivity between offices at Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai will
thus be strengthened.

THE HURDLE: The existing rail line at Ballard Pier currently belongs
to the Mumbai Port Trust and connecting the harbour line to it will
be the biggest hurdle.

LOCAL TRAIN CORRIDOR ON VIRARBHIWANDI-DIVA-PANVEL LINE FOR BETTER MMR
CONNECTIVITY THE NEED: To avoid saturation on Central and Western
suburban railway lines, a third corridor connecting Virar-Bhiwandi-
Diva and Panvel is proposed. Also, commuters travelling from western
suburbs to Panvel will have a changing point at Dadar. This will
result in development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (areas that
include Mumbai and suburbs up to Virar and Badlapur).

THE HURDLE: The only hurdle is the availability of rakes, otherwise
train services can be started immediately.

INCREASING LENGTH OF LOCAL TRAINS TO 15 OR 18 CARS THE NEED: Right
now over 16 people travel in one square meter area on local trains
during rush hour. There are currently 6.5 million train commuters,
which is growing at the rate of 4 per cent every year. In order to
cope with passenger load, the railways are studying the feasibility
of 15 to 18 car trains.
THE HURDLE: The length of all station platforms and distance between
signals will have to be increased to accommodate the increased number
of compartments.

QUADRUPLING HARBOUR LINE AND RUNNING 12-CAR TRAINS THE NEED: With an
increasing number of offices and residential townships coming up in
Navi Mumbai, the commuter rush on harbour line trains is growing
rapidly. To cope with the increased passenger load, Central Railways
either needs to increase the number of cars on each train or should
have more fast trains on the route halting at Belapur, Vashi,
Mankhurd, Wadala and Ballard Pier.

THE HURDLE: About the 15 per cent of the harbour line is an elevated
band. Increasing the length of stations to run 12 car trains here
will be a problem. Also, construction of additional lines will also
require of lot of restructuring and shifting of tracks passing
underneath.

BANDRA-KURLA SUBURBAN TRAIN CORRIDOR THE NEED: Bandra Kurla Complex
is the city’s new business district and has important offices like
NSE and the Diamond Market. Currently, transportation facilities to
BKC from Kurla and Bandra railway stations are insufficient. The
corridor will not only provide connectivity with BKC, but will also
add two more interchanging points for Central and Western railway
commuters.

THE HURDLE: The state government is planning to come up with a
monorail or connect the area with its Metro rail plan. The project
thus depends on the government’s priorities.

FIFTH AND SIXTH LINES ON THE BORIVLI-VIRAR SECTION AND THIRD AND
FOURTH LINES ON VIRAR DAHANU SECTION THE NEED: In order to expand its
suburban services up to Dahanu, the railways will require more tracks
in this section. Currently, a shuttle service runs between Virar and
Dahanu. However, it would not meet the increasing demand of
commuters.

THE HURDLE: Expansion of services will only be possible when there
are more rakes

THIRD LINE ON KALYAN-KARJAT AND KALYAN-KASARA LINES THE NEED:
Currently, the number of services beyond Kalyan has to be restricted
due to the availability of just two tracks. They handle the load of
suburban local services as well as long distance trains. The
additional track will separate the suburban and long distance
traffic.

THE HURDLE: The construction of the fifth and sixth line between
Thane and Kurla has taken over six years to complete, due to
encroachments and land acquisition issues. Similar problems might
occur on these lines too.

LOCAL TRAINS WITH CLOSED-DOOR ARRANGEMENT THE NEED: About 2,784
people have died after falling off local trains in the past year.
Therefore, MRVC has been talking about introducing trains with closed
doors.

THE HURDLE: The closed door trains will require airconditioning and
will increase the cost of commuting on trains as well. The closed
door trains will also reduce carrying capacity of each train.

It's funny, if they don't do it we complain. If they listen and do it again we complain

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5236/97530277.jpg

Hindustan Times

Finally!!! Sad that it takes the loss of 3000 lives consistently year on year for this measure to be taken. The cost is justified if people can go make a livelihood without a life threatening commute. I think everyone deserves that!

source: http://savebombay.wordpress.com/

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/462/mutpiii.jpg

Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation’s concept note for Mumbai Urban
Transport Project III figures some highly ambitious changes to the
city’s rail network from adding train corridors to increasing length
of local trains......

LOCAL TRAINS WITH CLOSED-DOOR ARRANGEMENT THE NEED: About 2,784
people have died after falling off local trains in the past year.
Therefore, MRVC has been talking about introducing trains with closed
doors.

THE HURDLE: The closed door trains will require airconditioning and
will increase the cost of commuting on trains as well. The closed
door trains will also reduce carrying capacity of each train.

It's funny, if they don't do it we complain. If they listen and do it again we complain

Finally!!! Sad that it takes the loss of 3000 lives consistently year on year for this measure to be taken.

Perhaps you are not aware that most of these deaths occur due to trespassing and rooftop travelling. Very very few deaths occur due to falling from the doors.

Perhaps you are not aware that most of these deaths occur due to trespassing and rooftop travelling. Very very few deaths occur due to falling from the doors.

You are right. I was not aware of that fact. Regardless, having doors on moving trains is a necessary safety measure IMO.

Perhaps you are not aware that most of these deaths occur due to trespassing and rooftop travelling. Very very few deaths occur due to falling from the doors.

You haven't read Mumbai rail's post, at least the bold part ? It says 2784 people have died last year by falling from train. In which dictionary 2784 human lives is very very few ? That's 3 times higher than even a massacre like Jallianwala Bagh :lol:

Automatic doors...........nice idea but do they mean automatic doors like the world knows them or like the inner doors of IR's a/c coaches? And how are they going to ensure that they close...with so many people in each coach?:ohno:

hmm i am not a fan of closed doors.

It will be like a steam house in the summers knowing that people steal fans in the train to take home. Air conditionaing is a must if you close the doors.

secondly hmm I see a lot of deaths due to being crushed....

On top of which in case of a terroist attack, a simple nail bomb in a confined and packed space as that will result in twice the deaths than an open train when people are thrown off and have some hope of surviving

source: http://savebombay.wordpress.com/

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/462/mutpiii.jpg


THE HURDLE: The closed door trains will require airconditioning and
will increase the cost of commuting on trains as well. The closed
door trains will also reduce carrying capacity of each train.[/B]



Who says closed doors require airconditioning? Use Indian Jugaad thinking. Keep the regular windows as on current mumbai subway. The sliding doors of coaches usually have two glass windows on respective top halves of doors. Instead of that make two windows with bars like on coach windows.
Now I know it does not look great , but how can you have everything? Besides it can always be made to look great depending on how you design the window bars for non-AC coaches.
Just look at the latest Honda city grill. If the window bars were of stainless steel and shaped like that a non-AC rail coach could be made aesthetically appealing too.

Who says closed doors require airconditioning? Use Indian Jugaad thinking. Keep the regular windows as on current mumbai subway. The sliding doors of coaches usually have two glass windows on respective top halves of doors. Instead of that make two windows with bars like on coach windows.
Now I know it does not look great , but how can you have everything? Besides it can always be made to look great depending on how you design the window bars for non-AC coaches.
Just look at the latest Honda city grill. If the window bars were of stainless steel and shaped like that a non-AC rail coach could be made aesthetically appealing too.

hmm then you risk darkness in the compartment and need to make provision for tube lights which again will be removed by some people.

Even with the windows (which are currently there) it gets ridiculously hot with so many people packed. A closed door policy will make it hotter.....

on the other hand it will stop people from getting into moving trains so hmm some problems will be solved others will not.

See for eg a train cannot move unless its doors are closed. So what if there are so many people during rush hour that everybody wants to get on. The train will be stuck at the platform for 10 plus minutes or even longer screwing up timetables. Mulund to Cst will take one and a half hour based on this making the commute too horrible to contemplate.

If you forcably close the door then somebody is going to get crushed.

in which case you need a station master and many other people at each station telling people to stop climbing in or out.

this heavily increses overhead leading to a heavy increase in fares.....which the common man will say no to. Leading to a chicken and egg situation.

you know how indians are. Everyobdy wants the best, but nobody wants to pay.

The closed doors policy it not suitable for mumbai. Mumbaikars dont have the patience to line up and wait their turn for the next train.

^^ Delhiites are not a different breed from Mumbaikars. If a lot of decency can be maintained in Delhi metro, then same can happen with Mumbai railway also, the only thing needed is as good service as Delhi metro. It won't be possible for IR to completely emulate DMRC but it can at least increase the frequency of trains by improving the signalling. Most of the problems which you have listed are because of over-crowding. These will be solved if these steps are implemented.

I am ok for AC and Automatic doors. Over crowding is a problem in Japan and China as well and they have implemented these basic features in their trains. Mumbai is ready for these features. Its financially feasible. There are several ways of reducing commuters per train and some of these are being implemented by MRVC in all three MUTP I, II, III phases. By the way MUTP III will be implemented between 2012 - 2018. So we wont have auto doors and AC untill then. We still have to wait. Nonetheless it is a good development in my opnion. It will drastically improve quality of life and safety. They should have implemented these features in MUTP I.

Even with the windows (which are currently there) it gets ridiculously hot with so many people packed. A closed door policy will make it hotter.....


There can be ventilation from the top roof of each coach. Regularly spaced air intakes shaped like the top air intakes to cool engines in automobiles can be built on each coach.

http://cache.g4tv.com/images/ttv/graphics/thescreensavers/3436388.jpg

Even buses have a lid on top that can be opened to let in more air.

I agree with Abhishek, if Delhi metro can maintain a good level of civic discipline than Mumbai local railway can do it as well. India is a country of 1.2 billion people, I am sure she can come up with billion intelligent solutions to solve Mumbai's problems. IchimaruGin1 you are right, if you have closed door in a tropical hot climate like Mumbai you will definitely need AC. With overcrowding it gets worst. So we Need AC with auto/closed doors. Advait is right, forced ventillation is critically important in auto/closed doors arrangement as well.

The closed doors policy it not suitable for mumbai.

Agreed. And there are many reasons for it, most of which you have posted.

It won't be possible for IR to completely emulate DMRC but it can at least increase the frequency of trains by improving the signalling.

And what do you suggest to improve signalling? In southern parts of the city which are most congested, signals are placed mere 300-350 metres apart or sometimes even closer, which means that a train will get a green signal even if only less than a kilometer of track ahead of it is unoccupied. Section controllers too are very efficient. Western railway even has a centralised control room called train management system set up in collaboration with Bombardier through which you can get information about status of any trsin in the network by just a click of the mouse. See a photo here (http://www.irfca.org/gallery/metro_urban/tms.JPG.html). It is the only section in IR where this system is in place (work of installing it in CR's suburban network is in progress). I think there is very less scope for improvement in signalling systems.

^^ For this part, maybe some tunnels to supplement existing tracks but what about rest of the system. Trains do not run at a frequency of 1 min per track (like they do in metros). That itself means there is a lot of scope for improvement.

1) Complete the six lines all the way to Dahanu/Karjat/Kasara/ (4 lines to Panvel) so that we can have 4 dedicated Metro-like lines that do not share space with outstation trains.

2) Run 15-car trains at the maximum frequency possible.

If we do the above, I'd be willing to bet that coupled with even the three lines of the Metro phase-1, we will have comfortable public transport in Mumbai.

What shocks me is the amount of time it is taking us to move from 9 car to 12 car trains. In a country like India, I cannot accept that we are unable to manufacture the additional compartments on time. Outsource the manufacture of compartments if necesary. People are dying because of this inaction.:bash:

About the doors, I have mixed feelings. Doors will be effective only if we have room in the trains. I would think greater than 90% of the deaths taking place in the trains could be avoided if we did not have the overcrowding that we see today. Of course you'll have the 'hero' who'll fry himself trying to ride on the top of the train but overall the deaths will go way down. I am not against doors. Of course they make sense. But first deal with the overcrowding.

1) Complete the six lines all the way to Dahanu/Karjat/Kasara/ (4 lines to Panvel) so that we can have 4 dedicated Metro-like lines that do not share space with outstation trains.

2) Run 15-car trains at the maximum frequency possible.

If we do the above, I'd be willing to bet that coupled with even the three lines of the Metro phase-1, we will have comfortable public transport in Mumbai.

What shocks me is the amount of time it is taking us to move from 9 car to 12 car trains. In a country like India, I cannot accept that we are unable to manufacture the additional compartments on time. Outsource the manufacture of compartments if necesary. People are dying because of this inaction.:bash:

About the doors, I have mixed feelings. Doors will be effective only if we have room in the trains. I would think greater than 90% of the deaths taking place in the trains could be avoided if we did not have the overcrowding that we see today. Of course you'll have the 'hero' who'll fry himself trying to ride on the top of the train but overall the deaths will go way down. I am not against doors. Of course they make sense. But first deal with the overcrowding.

Well said , the automatic doors is very necessary in Mumbai local trains along with the effort of controlling the overcrowding . Air Conditioning system will be required for closed doors , but my opinion is that mumbaikars will not mind paying extra money to have the same comfort in the Suburban trains that they will get in the Mumbai metro or the monorail.

Well said , the automatic doors is very necessary in Mumbai local trains along with the effort of controlling the overcrowding . Air Conditioning system will be required for closed doors , but my opinion is that mumbaikars will not mind paying extra money to have the same comfort in the Suburban trains that they will get in the Mumbai metro or the monorail.

Rightly said. That's why Mumbai metro/monorail are going to be a reality. They know that people can pay more for better comfort and time saving, that's why they opted to build a metro and that too on a PPP basis (which means profitability for pvt. player as well and that's based on assumption of good ridership).

no for closed doors its not necessary to have air conditioning..
but forced ventilation for a city like Bombay is necessary
take the case of Calcutta Metro for instance..

Shanware
increasing the no of tracks too can't be a solution due to space constraints in Bombay..

no for closed doors its not necessary to have air conditioning..
but forced ventilation for a city like Bombay is necessary
take the case of Calcutta Metro for instance..

Shanware
increasing the no of tracks too can't be a solution due to space constraints in Bombay..

I also thought about about Kolkata metro's "Air cooling" but then I realized that it may be effective there because of less crowding. Will it be at all effective in super dense crush load is yet to be seen. Maybe they can maintain slightly higher temperature (26-27 degrees) in AC rakes if they want so save electricity.

most of the deaths are caused to people not obeying the laws. Crossing the railway lines despite overhead footbridges.......

Getting and jumping into a moving train.

Riding on top of a train and getting electricuted especially during the

The odd person being injured or killed by slum kids throwing rocks.

People hanging of the edge falling off(hmm this though with the levels of people at times can be avoided. But some people do it for fun)



Having closed doors will eliminate deaths from

(a) people falling out of the moving train due to standing on the edge.

(b) Rocks from slug kids.

(c) Getting on and jumping off a moving train. (i hope atleast)

HAving closed doors will not stop the following

(a) people crossed the track and not using the footbridge

(b) Riding on top of trains and getting electricuted or having ya head bumped off.

(c) Higher chances of people suffocating if no air condition system for that in place.

(d) Lack of common decency, some jerks put on really strong colonge. In packed trains thats a no no. I hope IR posts a lot of flyers on stations and trains outlining what common civic sense is.
I also hope that fisher folk with their baskets of fish sat right at the enterance will aso be avoided.

the basic fact is most deaths on the local are avoidable and the fault of the people themselves. Maybe they are prompted to save a few minutes or just hero giri.

Which is why i stated, its the mentality of people which needs to change first. Delhi metro looking at pricing and ticketing structure and collection makes sure that nobody goes without not paying their ticket (prices are much higher per km than IR).This means the middle class uses it unlike mumbai were the poor use it as well. I got nothing against the poor the middle class people as the dude with the ulta musky scent have shown, but the civic sense is much higher.

this is my ideal definition of a commuter railway

(a) every place in the city must be 1km or 15min walk from a railway station. This should be taken care of by the metro and monorail but i hope that the different systems are interchangable with ease. (it is hoped by me they have a monorail from lower parel station and via parel station to worli sea face.

(b) 30 trains per hour during peak times and 15 trains per hour off peak. 12 rakes.

(c) Every major station should have a station area scheme like Thane so bus and other feeder systems can operate smoothly. Especially Ghatkopar Kurla Dadar and Bandra Andheri

(d) will not break down totally in the face of adverse weather.

(e) increase of average speed to 45kph. Currently due to shoddy tracks etc they are limited but operational speed of 45 is within reach.

(f) More intersection points. Dadar and Kurla are just too crowded for train change. The solution will be to merge Elphisone road and Parel stations . Take a look at google maps. 2-3 foot bridges , thats all whats needed. I dont understand why this has not been done. I asked a civil engineer and he said the same thing. It so obvious. This gives another interchange to supplement Dadar.For kurla i guess more platforms

^^ Good suggestions. You should forward them to railways, esp. the connection between these 2 stations.

Its the same with Matunga and Matunga road. Contruct a 300m skywalk can you have the connection you need

It will take 5 minutes to walk form one station to another

the land in between is owned by the railways anyway

so it needs to be spead along Matunga Dadar Parel/Elphis and lower parel curry road.

Just build a footbridge connection along anyone of them.

thats three connections taking the load of Dadar as a point and can act also as a back up in indeed god forbid something happens at dadar station

I also thought about about Kolkata metro's "Air cooling" but then I realized that it may be effective there because of less crowding. Will it be at all effective in super dense crush load is yet to be seen. Maybe they can maintain slightly higher temperature (26-27 degrees) in AC rakes if they want so save electricity.

The Calcutta Metro is not Air conditioned , but it still works because
1. The entire length from Dum Dum (few meters is over ground) to Tollygaunge is UG.
2. The Entire UG system is air cooled.

The peak crush load is more or less comparable .
Due to the above 2 points it worked well for the last 25 years; but now with the extension of the calcutta metro, where the new metro station and the lines are above ground level , the commuters are facing tough time in that stretch. This is one of the reason why the new new Calcutta metro coaches which will be pressed into service from next year with have Air Conditioned rakes