The enlarged platform began to show cracks and footprints within 24 hours of Central Railway organising a 63-hour mega block to widen platform 5/6 at Thane station, casting question on the calibre of the job completed. The passengers brought up security worries, especially with the impending monsoon.
Among the busiest platforms at Thane station, platform 5/6 is in charge of over 300 suburban and mail/express trains. 785 pre-cast hollow blocks measuring 1x1x1 metres, 0.5x1x1 metres, and 1.5x1x1 metres were placed along the whole 587-meter length of the platform to widen it by two to three metres. The probability of platform surface settlement is decreased by these pre-cast blocks. This was the first time that platforms have been built using this kind of block.
A top CR official responded to a request for comment by saying, “The platform was opened as soon as the work was completed.” Jute sacks were spread throughout the surface. But the matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant authority, and it will be fixed right away.
The difficult process of expanding the platform was started after a 63-hour embargo was imposed starting at 00:30 on May 31. Two concrete pumps, five Poclains, one Roller, one ballast train, thirty-two tank waggons, and four locomotives were used in the task. To make room for the expanding construction, one footover bridge was also taken down and a new one was built a few days earlier.
A recently extended railway platform in Thane developed visible cracks within 24 hours of its completion, raising serious concerns over construction quality and safety. The incident has sparked outrage among commuters and activists, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation into the matter.
Cracks Raise Safety Concerns
The platform extension was undertaken to accommodate longer trains and improve passenger convenience at the busy Thane railway station. However, within a day of construction, multiple cracks appeared on the surface, alarming daily commuters and railway officials. The visibly damaged platform has raised fears about potential safety hazards, especially given the high footfall at the station.
A commuter who witnessed the cracks stated, “We were excited about the new platform extension, but now it seems unsafe. If it is breaking within a day, what will happen in the long run?”
Possible Causes and Investigation
Following public complaints, railway authorities and engineers conducted an initial assessment of the cracks. Experts suggest poor construction materials, lack of proper curing, or rushed completion could be potential reasons for the platform’s rapid deterioration.
A senior railway official confirmed that the matter is under review, stating, “We are investigating the cause of the cracks. If any negligence is found, strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
Reports indicate that the platform extension work was completed on a tight deadline, raising suspicions that quality control measures may have been overlooked to meet construction timelines.
Commuter Outrage and Accountability Demands
The incident has triggered strong reactions from commuters and citizen activists, who are demanding accountability from railway officials and contractors involved in the project. Many have taken to social media to express frustration over public funds being misused on substandard work.
Local activist groups have called for an independent audit of the construction and urged authorities to blacklist contractors responsible for poor-quality infrastructure projects.
Railway Response and Next Steps
The railway department has assured that necessary repairs will be carried out immediately to ensure passenger safety. Additionally, officials are considering a third-party structural audit to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Thane remains a crucial railway hub in the Mumbai metropolitan region, this incident underscores the need for stringent quality checks in public infrastructure projects to ensure durability and commuter safety.
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