After receiving several complaints from commuters about anti-social elements running amok in the subways, especially after evening hours, the Public Works Department (PWD) has mooted several steps to address the menace.
According to officials, the PWD plans to open shops in the subways and provide proper lighting so that subways don’t wear a deserted look.
Currently, there are approximately 50 subways and 73 Foot over Bridges (FOB) located in different parts of Delhi for the use of pedestrians.
PWD’s measures have only been announced after Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal directed the department to address this issue and take remedial measures.
“In a recently held meeting in the office of the L-G, it was brought out that complaints are being received about anti-social activities being carried out in subways after sunset. Hence there should be proper lighting and cleanliness and the space should be provided in subways wherever feasible for shops which can be operated till late at night,” said the PWD official.
Engineer-in Chief of PWD Puneet Kumar Vats has also asked the concerned officers to ensure proper maintenance, cleaning in all the subways and to make all the escalators functional for the use of pedestrians.
“Reports have been received regarding the maintenance of the FoBs at various places. Thus a personal inspection should be carried out by higher officers to ensure that proper maintenance/cleaning is being done and escalators are made functional in all FoBs,” the PWD chief told officers.
Further, according to officials, the department is currently preparing a zone-wise list with number of FoBs and subways to figure out the space where shops can be opened.
When asked about the presence of louts in and around dimly subways across the national Capital, a senior Delhi Police official said beats constables and the Station House Officers (SHOs) of all the police stations have been directed to patrol vulnerable subways.