Mumbai Stampede - Infrastructural Suggestions for Metros Cities

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What is the issue?

Railway infrastructure in metros like Mumbai needs forward planning and timely execution of projects to prevent manmade disasters.

What is the response of government after Mumbai stampede?

• The tragedy has served as a wake-up call for the Railway ministry with urgency to announce a host of new infrastructure projects.
• The recent announcement made includes 92 escalators and several foot over-bridges in Mumbai suburb.
• These projects will make passenger movement at Mumbai’s suburban stations easier.

What type of infrastructural developments are suggested?

• Metros like Mumbai needs a modern mass rapid transit system and modern approach to traffic management.
• Adequate entry and exit points to facilitate crowd movement as well as crowd management needs to be a priority.
• Like Delhi metro, Marshals and Central Industrial Security Force guards on the platforms and courtyard should be appointed.
• The long-term solution to crowding is to augment facilities at regular intervals.
• Most of the railway stations in metro cities dates back to colonial era which needs to be surveyed and restructured for prevention of further disasters.
• Increased and ongoing coordination between different agencies like the municipal corporations and town planners to plan and augment infrastructure is required.
• Citizens’ awareness about disaster survival and participation is also required to keep transit systems tragedy-free.
• Improving accessibility of stations and trains for differently-abled is required.
• Above all, there has to be a focus on execution of these projects at timely manner.

Source: Business Line