Chaos at Kurla station as two FOBs shut suddenly, subway a mess

MUMBAI: Chaos prevailed at Kurla station as commuters were caught unawares after Central Railway (CR) closed two FOBs for repairs without advance warning or making alternative plans on Tuesday. One is on the Sion-end of the platform, which connects other platforms, while another is an east-west BMC FOB that does not have access to platforms but is used by many people.


CR’s chief PRO Sunil Udasi said, “Both FOBs have been closed for safety. The public can use other FOBs, besides there is a subway for those who do not want to enter the platform but get from east to west or vice versa.” CR did not state for how long the FOB will be closed.


Railway activist and Kurla resident Subhash Gupta said, “The railways said all the bridges were safe as per the IIT-B report. This led to complete chaos as other FOBs are now overcrowded with a stampede-like situation during peak hours.” He added, “The BMC FOB was repaired few years back. The subway the railways wants us to use is in bad shape, with overflowing drains and filth.”

A police officer stationed on an adjoining FOB said the bridge was old.