11 ROBs on CR over century-old

Mumbai: There are around 12 Foot Overbridges (FOBs) on Central Railway (CR) line that have already completed their average life of 60 years and 11 Road Overbridges (ROBs) are century old. While three ROBs are over 90 years old, underscoring the need to maintain them properly. The information came out via queries sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 filed by Railway activist Sameer Zaveri on July 16, 2018.   

According to the RTI, the CR has a total 104 FOBs and 71 ROBs in Mumbai suburban section.

Mr Zaveri said that RTI reply received on August 7 from CR revealed many bridges are 90 years old against the lifespan of 60 years.

“We have seen in the last two incidents that after deaths of innocent people, railway has started taking this seriously and expedite work. Why wait for mishap and deaths of innocent people?,” he asked.

Subhash Gupta, president of railway pravasi sangh, said that the CR should do a structural audit of the FOBs, which are in their premises. And the ROBs should be inspected with the help of local civic bodies in the light of the recent accidents so that no such mishap takes place in future.

According to RTI’s reply, FOB at CSMT end Masjid station was constructed in 1924, however, the CR has sanctioned under replacement. An FOB at Byculla towards south-end was constructed in 1955. The FOB at Dadar station towards Parel end and at Kalyan end of Dadar station was constructed in 1942 and 1950 respectively.

The RTI also revealed that close to a dozen RoBs are century old, while three ROBs are 90 years old. The Carnac ROB, which was constructed in 1868, is the oldest bridge in Mumbai suburban section.