The East-West bridge declared distressed, too, was shut for the public, urging them to use the subway instead. The subway though is inadequately lit, and therefore unsafe. It is also flooded with drain water.

While repairs are needed and infrastructure has to be examined and upgraded regularly, it is equally important that contingency measures move parallel to these repairs. In fact, when bridges are to be shut down, the public has to be informed in advance through banners and signage.

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If it is an emergency shutdown, signage needs to come up at the site. Here, the Railways' public address system on its platforms could have been used to make announcements about the shutdown and the alternatives for commuters. One has to be doubly careful in places which have a high footfall, of which transport facilities are prime examples. If contingency measures are not in place, misinformation, confusion and frustration could easily result in a stampede during rush hours and the situation could soon spiral out of control.

We must be measured and very thorough in our approach when works are being undertaken, and an amenity needs to be shut down. In order to prevent one tragedy, let us not invite another.

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