In the aftermath of the accident at Gokulpuri Metro Station on the Pink Line, a significant design flaw has been identified in the elevated stations of this corridor.
To prevent future incidents like the one at Gokulpuri, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has started replacing the concrete walls above the drains on the platforms of elevated stations with steel railings.
Incident Overview
The Pink Line, stretching 59.24 kilometers, commenced operations in five phases between March 14, 2018, and August 6, 2021. On October 31, 2018, metro operations began between Trilokpuri and Shiv Vihar on the Pink Line. It was on this stretch that the Gokulpuri Metro Station is located.
On February 8, this year, approximately five years after the station opened, a wall (constructed of concrete and tiles) on the platform of the elevated Gokulpuri Metro Station collapsed.
The debris from this collapse resulted in one fatality and four injuries. This incident marked the first time in Delhi Metro’s history that a part of a station collapsed.
Investigation and Response
The incident prompted an investigation by the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner. Additionally, DMRC’s Managing Director, Vikas Kumar, ordered an inspection of structures across all corridors.
According to DMRC sources, the wall at Gokulpuri Station was built over a drainage system without a strong base (beam) beneath its columns. This structural inadequacy led to the wall’s collapse as it couldn’t bear the load.
Structural Flaws and Remedial Measures
Similar structural flaws were found in nearly all elevated stations on the Pink Line. Out of the 38 stations on this line, 12 are underground, and 26 are elevated. Among these, 17 elevated stations are located between Mayur Vihar Phase I and Shiv Vihar stations.
To address this issue, DMRC is replacing the concrete walls with steel railings at these stations. This replacement work has already been completed at several stations.
Moving Forward
While DMRC has not yet officially commented on this matter, the ongoing work signifies a proactive approach to enhancing safety and preventing future mishaps. By replacing concrete walls with steel railings, DMRC aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of its elevated stations.
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