MLA demanded that traffic management be improved for station
Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar has demanded the implementation of Station Area Traffic Improvement Schemes (Satis) project at Kurla railway station, which is one of the busiest suburban railway stations in Mumbai.
Mr Kudalkar raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly through point of propriety.Mr Kudalkar said, “Kurla has become a major junction that is used by people from all three local train lines. It is a station on the main line and Harbour line. Also, people travelling from Harbour and mainline to BKC, Andheri, Seepz, Chakala areas get off at Kurla station.
While the number of commuters has increased manifold in last few years, the infrastructure has not improved accordingly. As a result there are huge traffic jams on both the sides of the station. People find it difficult even to walk. The BMC has prepared a plan to decongest the station, but the plan has been pending for over three years. Therefore, I requested the government to speed up the approvals for Satis.”The plan was conceptualised by the World Bank in 2000 to streamline heavy traffic on the suburban railway.
At that time, it was expected that the project would be executed by the Railways with the help of local civic bodies. But there was no further development on the issue because of the lack of co-ordination between the Railways and BMC. Last year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with BMC and railway officials and in that it was decided that the BMC would implement Satis at all major suburban railway station.
“The plan for Kurla station is ready with the BMC. I am trying my best to move the things forward and therefore I have requested the government to step in. I have also met BMC officials on the issue,” Mr Kudalkar said.
The Sena MLA further said that the Satis at Kurla station would be along the lines of a project implemented at Thane railway station a few years ago. “There will be new bridges, designated parking area, bus stops on the elevated road, auto rickshaw stand will be away from bus route, new foot over bridges etc. The project will be implemented in the 100 metres area on both the sides of the station,” he said. As per the Assembly rules, the government must answer Mr Kudalkar in writing within 30 days.
