Sant Tukaram station :
This station is almost complete in all respects. The high point of this station is overall architectural form, design concept facia and colour scheme. On elevated corridors, most of the Metro systems have gone in for two level elevated stations at the median of the road and therefore,the concrete box jutting out of the middle of the road looks very obtrusive. However,the station boxes on this corridor get assimilated seamlessly in the surroundings. The form is streamlined, and facia is with aluminium perforated pre-painted sheets, moulded to convey natural green plant leaves. The architectural form of Sant Tukaram station is by far the best when compared to other similar elevated Metros such as Delhi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, and various other elevated metros. For quick comparison, pictures of Sant Tukaram station of Pune Metro and Sadar Bazar station of Delhi Metro are reproduced below. It may be noted that both the pictures are taken from similar angle and setting of both the stations are similar i.e. Sadar Bazar stationis situated in lush green cantonment area adjoining Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Sdar Bazar Station is on recently commissioned Mazenta Line.
While the similar form has been adopted for the all other stations on the corridor, the colour scheme of aluminium perforated cladding sheets takes the various shades, varying from green to grey, depicting the seasonal change in the colour of vegetation around. This concept of unique colour to each station will give distinct identity and help in commuters readily recognising the station without having to read the name of the station.
Another high point of the station is the wave form of false ceiling at the concourse level. Varying height of roof gives break in the monotony while walking along the length of the station.
Other innovations:
Several innovations have been implemented at this station, for example:
- The space and equipment requirements for electrical, air conditioning and signalling equipment has been rationalized.
2. The default position of AFC gates is open and will close only when person with inadequate ticket or without ticket tries to walk through. This would result in in substantial reduction in the failure of AFC gates and thus reduction in the O&M costs.
3. Waterproofing – Water pouring down from platform level into the concourse is a common problem in the elevated stations, particularly where the viaduct has been run-through and station box is built around. Weather conditions of Pune are such that wind speeds and simultaneous rainfall intensity is high. There is every possibility of large quantities of water coming in at the platform level, which than drips into concourse through the gaps between viaduct structure and station structure which are structurally separate. Elaborate sealing of expansion joint has been done between the viaduct girder and beam supporting the station platform and also at the platform wall and floor. Hopefully this will ensure that there is no water seepage at the concourse level.
4. Steps at the end of the platform – steps at the end of the platform is a problem area being face faced by various elevated metros. These steps are required for maintenance staff to get down on the viaduct from the platform. While one end the steps is supported on the platform, the other is on the viaduct girder. Both elements being structurally separate, the deflection of both the elements is quite different. The problem gets further compounded when there is no side of walkway. However, an innovative steel L-shaped ladder has been designed with one end anchored to the viaduct girder and other and supported on the platform slab. This should give trouble-free and maintenance free service.
5. Platform level parabolic roof is designed with polycarbonate sheeting in the middle portion for natural lighting. The width of polycarbonate sheeting is also increasing towards the end giving a uniform transition in the light level from end to the centre of the station.
Though station is finished including the indicator boards and signages etc. however, it is noticed that the holding down bolts of the escalator support structure are protruding out at concourse level which may cause injury and collect the garbage.Therefore, these beams and foundations may be suitably covered.
Progress Of Other Stations:
Bhosari station : The structural part of the Bhosari station is complete.However, the entry structure is complete only on one side, other side entry structure foundation work has just commenced.The delay was on account of large number of underground utilities requiring shifting. The roof structure of flooring work of this station is not yet over, however utility rooms have been releasing for S&T and electrical equipment fitment. It may be very difficult to complete this station by the target date of 15th August 2021.
Kasarwadi Station : Structural work is complete, finishing work is in full swing. Entry structures are complicated on account of access to property development floor. Though challenging but is possible to be completed within target.
Phugewadi Station : Structural work is in progress. Though challenging but it is possible to complete the finishing by target date.