MARGAO, JULY 24 
PWD officials have mulled a footbridge at the Comba railway crossing and a pedestrian way inside the subway for the benefit of the student community when the railway crossed is closed for vehicular traffic.
The tragic death of a Std XII student at the Margao railway crossing earlier this week finally brought senior PWD officials to the site to find solutions to the crossing problem faced by the students.
Led by Principal Chief Engineer Rego, the PWD officials inspected the water logged subway and discussed measures to prevent it from flooding by raising the level of the road.
It was also discussed to build a raised platform inside the subway for the pedestrians.
The officials have further decided to hold a meeting with Konkan Railway officials on the question of building a footbridge at the level crossing.
Rego told Herald that they have discussed two possible solutions to the crossing problem. One, to build a footbridge – which forms part of a long term solution — and the second option to raise the height of the road at the subway after discussions with KRC officials
“Raising the road level at the subway can offer solution to the problem. Even at Vile Parle, the road level is raised to meet the situation”, he said.
The suggestion to raise the road level at the subway was made by Rego after he was informed that the subway gets water logged due to water gushing from the River Sal.
He said the PWD would prepare estimates for the construction of a subway at the railway crossing, adding that the suggestion would take a concrete shape only after a meeting with the Konkan Railway officials.
He further said the pedestrian way inside the subway will be taken up after receiving clearance from the KRC, adding “if the KRC agrees with our suggestions, work would start soon”.
PWD Executive Engineer, Ringe said he would invite KRC officials early next week to find a solution to the problem at the Comba crossing. He suggested construction of a walkway with railings inside the subway for the students.
“When the subway was constructed by the KRC, we had no say. Water gushes in the subway when the water table in the River Sal is high”, he said.
Ringe recalled that even Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had spoken to the KRC officials on the need to build a footbridge at the level crossing, adding that the proposal would taken up with the Konkan Railway early next week.