Pune: Railway Station To Enhance Accessibility With New Bridge And Lifts
Pune, 27th October 2023: Pune Railway Station is set to undergo significant improvements aimed at enhancing passenger convenience. The Railway Board has approved the construction of a new 12-meter wide bridge, complete with ramps and the installation of four lifts. However, this development will require the demolition of the existing 3.6-meter-wide pedestrian bridge, potentially causing disruptions to railway traffic during the construction phase.
The number of passengers travelling from Pune station has been steadily increasing, with a significant portion being female passengers and senior citizens. Currently, the station is equipped with three escalators, making it challenging for disabled and senior passengers to navigate, especially those in wheelchairs. To address this issue, the railway administration has decided to add a ramp to the new 12-meter-long pedestrian bridge, making it more accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges.
The old pedestrian bridge, which was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its deteriorating condition, was reopened after minor repairs and is currently in use by all passengers. However, it will now be replaced as part of these upgrades, while the ramps connected to it will be retained and extended to connect to the new 12-meter bridge. This development aims to make the station more user-friendly, especially for disabled, senior citizens, and female passengers.
The new project is expected to enhance accessibility and improve the overall travel experience for the approximately one and a half lakh daily passengers at Pune Railway Station, where a total of 250 trains serve 6 platforms. The station currently has four pedestrian bridges and handles the departure and arrival of 72 trains, with 41 local rounds included in its daily operations.
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