Over 17,000 use Thane escalator daily: CR
The Central Railway officials seem satisfied as the newly-installed escalator at Thane station has lived up to the commuters’ expectations and is becoming popular among them.
As per a survey done by the CR two days ago, around 17,093 passengers use the escalator from 6 am to 10 pm. After 10 pm, the escalator is switched off for maintenance work. As per calculations, on an average, the ascending escalator carries 20 passengers per minute. However, this number doubles during the peak hours.
“We are quite satisfied that our newly-built escalator at Thane carries around 1,100 passengers per hour. And more importantly, this escalator has lived up to our expectations, which has given us the confidence to expedite the installation of other escalators at different stations,” said Atul Rane, chief PRO of Central Railway. He added, “The commuters’ response has been good enough and our men who man the escalator have found it very helpful.”
Built at a cost of `75 lakh, this 1.7m-wide escalator at the platforms between 3 and 4 was thrown open to commuters on June 27.
The CR has also deployed one attendant who has been guiding the commuters on how to use it.
“We are keeping a close eye on the commuters’ response, and if everything goes well, we will not need an attendant anymore,” said an engineer from the maintenance department.
“Escalators have become a landmark achievement for the CR as it has proved to be more beneficial to senior citizens, pregnant women and handicapped commuters,” said Subhash Gupta, a rail activist and member of the zonal railway users consultative committee (ZRUCC).
“The other escalator should become functional from Diwali this year,” Mr Rane added.
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