The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed a modern ventilation system near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) subway. This system is designed to improve airflow and control the temperature, making the subway environment more comfortable for commuters.
The 'A' ward office, responsible for the heavily used subway, recently upgraded the system. The system will make sure that the subway remains well-ventilated throughout the day.
Features of the system:
1. A centralised mechanism has been included to expel heated air.
2. Two high-capacity fans and nine jet fans have been added to boost ventilation.
3. These fans work by removing stale air and drawing in fresh air from the entry points.
4. This will make sure that the underground passage is cool and fresh, even during peak hours.
5. The design of the ventilation system is inspired by tunnel ventilation technology.
Safety has also been prioritised in the system’s design:
1. In emergencies, such as a fire, the central fans can operate at double speed.
2. This will clear smoke quickly and improve visibility for commuters.
The subway spans an area of 3,000 square meters. It connects passengers from the Central and Harbour lines to key locations like DN Road and Mahapalika Marg. Since its opening in 1999, the subway has faced criticism for issues like poor sanitation, inadequate ventilation, dim lighting, and overcrowding.
Unauthorised hawkers and illegal stores have also restricted pedestrian movement. Some shops inside the subway installed air conditioners to cool their spaces. However, this increased the overall heat load inside the underground area. The new ventilation system addresses these challenges.
Share
Tweet
