WR, CR get rly board nod to raise plaform height

Manthan K Mehta TNN 

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Mumbai: Western and Central Railway will soon be able to raise the height of platforms to 920 mm as the railway board has issued a formal communication allowing the authorities to undertake the work. 
    WR said it will carry out the work in phases. “In the first phase, 34 platforms that are below 840 mm in height will be targeted. The work can be completed by July 2015,” an official said. 
    On Central Railway, there are 80 platforms across the main and harbour line that are below 840 mm in height. CR hopes to complete the work in two-three years. 
    Railways said that the gap has increased because the MRVC rakes have sturdier air springs and do not get pressed down. 
    The February 19 letter issued by the executive director, civil engineering (railway board) states, “The board has approved raising of height of the suburban platforms from the existing range of 760 mm-840 mm to the revised range of 840 mm-920mm.” 
    The board said the railways have to ensure improved maintenance practice and monitoring of rolling stock and tracks. It further advised the Research, Standards and Design Organization (RDSO) to examine and incorporate a suitable clause in the Indian Railways Schedule of Dimension (IRSOD) to raise the maximum height of suburban platform to 920 mm. IRSOD indicates an obstruction-free zone within which the railway coach, wagon or engines move during travel. A railway official said, “Since the RDSO approval is pending, we have to approach the board to invoke a condonation clause for each platform, whose height will have to be increased above 840 mm.” 
    A condonation clause allows the railways to bypass IRSOD if safety does not get compromised.