Bandra terminus will soon get new platforms, food plazas and skywalks

 

 

Mumbai: Bandra Terminus is set to get a whole new look by June 2011. Part of the mega plans which would give a boost to passenger comfort would include the addition of four platforms, skywalks, food plazas, decongestion of traffic, a road overbridge, streamlining of parking and the overall expansion of the terminal.
    Plans available with TOI show that the area around the existing station building would be earmarked specifically as auto, taxi, BEST (bus stand and depot separately), private and VIP parking, which will help in free movement of vehicular traffic. A new home platform (which touches the existing station building) will be made of concrete and used as an elevated walking path. This “skywalk’’ would also house passenger amenities like a food plaza.
    Major traffic congestion due to a level-crossing gate will also be eased with the proposed construction of a 900-metre long and 7.5 metre wide road over the level-crossing gate. “This road will be open to all vehicles other than three-wheelers,’’ said chief PRO, WR, S S Gupta.
    The existing concourse at the terminus’s south-end would be pushed around 50 metres further and an additional floor added to it. While the existing platforms would be extended, the first floor would have facilities for booking, refreshments and toilets. The total cost of the project is pegged at Rs 40 crore. WR is also stressing on better lighting at the terminus.
    “Passengers who alight at Khar Road station would also benefit since the exiting FOB would be extended and connected to the elevated walking path above the home platform,’’ said Gupta.
    This elevated walking path would also have FOBs connected to all platforms.
    Gupta added the addition of four more platforms will increase the capacity of the terminus by 100%. “Right now, on an average, we run 20 trains per day in either direction. This capacity will be doubled,’’ he said. Every platform will be able to cater to 24-coach trains. Work on one of the island platforms and foot-overbridge has already begun.