Mumbai:
Following a series of fire incidents at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a rattled Central Railway (CR) has finally begun a drive to remove cooking gas cylinders from its premises. On Tuesday, it seized eight cylinders from three station canteens for operating them despite the availability of viable options.
Last week, DNA had highlighted how the railways were still using LPG gas cylinders by converting the space under foot over-bridges into makeshift kitchens, fully equipped with power connection and exhaust fans.
"Eight cylinders were seized. We had provided these canteen contractors with alternate space to cook for their canteens. Despite this, they were found using LPG cylinders on the station premises. The drive has been going on for the past few weeks," chief spokesperson Vidyadhar Malegaonkar said.
Of the eight cylinders, six have been seized from Kalyan junction, one from Ulhasnagar and one from Masjid Bunder stations. "We will continue the drive and soon inspect more stations," he added.
The fire at the CST heritage building and the recovery of 30 cooking gas cylinders from the godown came as a shock to the railways. The 2010 catering policy formulated by the railway ministry prohibits cooking on railway stations. Nevertheless, LPG cooking cylinders are a common sight at most railway stations in the city. Most contractors cook Mumbai's favourite delicacy, batata wada, and other such items in the space under foot over-bridges.
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