WR asked to file affidavit on plans to ease overcrowding

Mumbai, Aug 2 (UNI) A division bench of the Bombay High Court today directed the Western Railway authorities to file an affidavit enlisting the plans, if any, to start additional local trains to ease the problems of commuters residing between Borivali and Virar.

The directions came in the wake of a public interest litigation filed by a senior citizen, Dr Hansa Mukati (78) who is a resident of Dahisar here.

The division bench, comprising justices R M Lodha and N H Patil, directed the Western Railways to file the affidavit stating whether there were any plans to start local trains from Bhayander and Virar.

The reply has to be filed by September 7.

Adv Pradeep Hanvur, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, told the court that there were only two tracks between Borivali and Virar and by the time the trains arrive at stations like Bhayander or Dahisar, they are already overcrowded.

Adv Suresh Kumar, appearing on behalf of the railways, told the court that tracks between Virar and Vasai had been quadrupled, and the work of laying additional tracks between Borivali and Vasai would be completed by March 31, 2007.

He told the court that it was not possible to increase the number of trains due to non-availability of dedicated tracks.

Once the additional tracks were completed, the frequency of the trains would be increased.

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