WHERE IS SEPARATE CORRIDOR FOR SUBURBAN TRAINS

The Railways told the Bombay High Court today that the gap between footboards of local trains and platforms is not the sole cause behind commuters losing their life or limbs in mishaps but there are several other factors involved. This was stated in an affidavit submitted by the railway authorities as directed by the High Court on January 18 while taking a suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the issue. A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M S Sanklecha had taken up the issue after a 16-year-old college girl, Monica More, lost both her arms after falling into a gap between the platform at suburban Ghatkopar railway station while trying to board a local train last month. The tragic incident brought to the fore the risk lakhs of commuters take daily to board crowded suburban local trains, called transport "life-lines" of Mumbai. The court had directed the Railway Ministry, the Railway Board and the Western and Central Railway to file their affidavits. The railways, in its reply affidavit, has said accidents do not occur only because of the gap between the footboard and platform. "There are several other factors involved like crossing of tracks, trespassing and over-crowding," the affidavit said. It added that in Mumbai there is no separate rail corridor for local suburban trains and long-distance trains. According to the affidavit, since the width of the long-distance trains is greater than local trains, the platforms have to be constructed keeping this in mind. The petition will be heard tomorrow.