Walkways to link FOBs at Pune station

PUNE: The administration of the Central Railway, Pune division will construct walkways to interlink the foot overbridges (FOBs) on the Pune railway station's premises. It will bring some respites to passengers at the station since there is frequent over-crowding on the old foot overbridge.
An estimate shows that about 90,000 passengers travel to and from the Pune station every day.At present, the station has two foot overbridges to help passengers reach the platforms. However, only one foot overbridge has direct access to the entry-exit gates.
Another foot overbridge constructed four years ago connects the six platforms but does not lead outside the station. Most passengers entering the station have no option but to use the old overbridge to reach platforms leading to over-crowding and frequent chaos.
The rail administration on Wednesday said two foot overbridges will be connected by constructing walk-ways. This will streamline movement of passengers as they will easily be able to shift to another similar facility to avoid crowding.
Passengers have been demanding such an interlink ever since the new foot overbridge was opened for use. The new bridge is not utilized by even 5% of the total passengers due to lack of direct access to the entry-exit gates.
"The new FOB, constructed about four years ago, is a waste of money as it is built without direct access to the entry or the exit gates. Why will a passenger climb up if he is compelled to get down on platform number one or six to get out of the station's premises? We have been suggesting that the administration connect this bridge to the old bridge," said Deepali Joshi, a frequent traveller.
The width of the old foot overbridge must be widened to accommodate more people. It becomes difficult for senior citizens and women passengers to get through the crowd with their luggage, he added.
Vijay Lande, who travels to Mumbai, said, "At many stations in Mumbai new foot overbridges are linked to old bridges. Railway authorities need to adopt a similar policy which is cost effective."
Rush hours are when the old foot overbridge is milling with people and weekends are particularly bad. Sources said the evening hours are crowded when many long-distance trains arrive and depart. The administration plans to construct two more foot overbridges at the station of which one will connect platform one, two and three, while another will connect all six platforms and will also have a landing outside the station. Authorities said there were plans to interlink this new foot overbridge will the existing bridges.
Box
Space Crunch
# Daily commuters at Pune station: Over 1 lakh
# Trains arriving and departing: Over 150
# Foot overbridges: 2
# FOB with direct access to entry-exit gate: 1
Passengers' problems
# Over-crowding on the FOBs during rush hours
# Narrow FOB has frequent stampede-like situations
# Problems for senior citizens, women and children on the FOBs
# No landing for new bridge outside station
The way ahead
# Interlinking the FOBs
# Two additional and wider FOBs planned
# One FOB with landings outside station