Source: Chembur Ghatkopar Plus dated January 14, 2012 by Sudhakar Anchan, Pix: M.M. Shirodkar.
A three feet wide open drainage pit awaits you on your way to Govandi railway station. It has been more than a year and it has been reported that many pedestrians have accidentally fallen in the pit. Some were hospitalized due to severe head or limb injuries. “How can authorities be so insensitive towards commuters owes? It has been more than a year now and still the pit remain uncovered” laments Ravi Kotian who takes this route regularly.
Drainage pit opp Govandi station , Pix: M.M. Shirodkar
Manali Chalke a rail commuter said, “A fortnight ago two ladies fell into the drainage pit and suffered very badly. One of them was admitted in Shatabdi hospital. I am more cautious now while passing through this stretch. But everyone can’t be lucky when they are in a hurry to reach their destination.”
A nearby shop owner said that this stretch of the road leading to Govandi Railway station is more risky for pedestrians during night time as not a single street light exists on this stretch.
W ard officer Sunil N Madne of M(East ward) said, “I will look into the problem and do the needful”. Corporator of the area Shashikant Patil said, “Actually it comes under the jurisdiction of railways. I have installed night lamps on the part of the railway station area which comes under BMC, but this particular stretch comes under the station authorities”.
However Govandi railway station authorities have a different story to tell. The station in-charge on condition of anonymity says, “This station area is under lease from BMC. The spot which you are mentioning does not come under us. It is the responsibility of the BMC to cover this drainage pit”.
Central Railway PRO A.K. Singh also assured to look into the problem.
“Let anyone be the authorities for the particular spot, common citizens are suffering. The situation is easily avoidable if the authorities show little empathy towards citizens and alertness while discharging their duties” said a concerned resident.
