A footbridge connecting the Ghaziabad rapid rail station with the Shaheed Sthal New Bus Adda metro station on the Red Line became operational in February this year. However, it has hardly been used of late.
The 300-meter footbridge has no shade, and with temperatures rising, commuters are avoiding it. "We deboard a rapid rail train and then board the metro on the Red Line. Both trains are air-conditioned. But while making the change, you have to walk 300 meters under the blazing sun," said daily commuter Shivangi Misra. "With the temperature soaring up to 42 degrees, the walk feels endless."
Delhi-NCR is currently reeling under heatwave-like conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature rises by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal or when the actual temperature rises above normal.
"In this season, it is easier to navigate through congested roads below to reach the stations. There might be auto stands or other cars parked below the bridge, but it at least has some shade. Before opening this bridge, the NCRTC should have covered it," another commuter, Vikrant Sharma, said.
The NCRTC constructed this 300-meter-long and 6.5-meter-wide footbridge as part of its multimodal integration to seamlessly connect RRTS stations with other transport modes—metro, Indian Railways, buses, and airports. "The civil structure of the overbridge was ready, and so we opened it in February. However, only half the work was done. There is a plan to install a travelator along the 300-meter bridge," an NCRTC official said. "Till the time it is installed, the structure cannot be covered."
The official added that they initiated the process of procuring the travelators last year. "The tender for the same has also been awarded, and their installation will begin next month," he said. "Once the travelators are installed, we will then begin the construction of the roof. This entire work is likely to be completed early next year."
As of now, a travelator has been installed at Sarai Kale Khan rapid rail station, which connects it to Nizamuddin Railway Station. It has not started operating yet.
