Land encroachments not affecting work
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 19: The redevelopment of Jammu Tawi Railway Station under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ is progressing at a fast pace, with key infrastructure works already completed and several major components currently under execution, the Union Ministry of Railways informed Parliament today.
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The project aims to transform the station into a modern transport hub with improved platforms, foot overbridges, air concourse, lifts, escalators, passenger amenities and enhanced city connectivity. The Railways also clarified that while about two hectares of railway land around the station remain encroached, the ongoing redevelopment work has not been affected.
Replying to two separate questions by Rajya Sabha MP Sat Pal Sharma, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Jammu Tawi station has been identified for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which follows a phased, long-term master plan for station modernization.
According to the Ministry, the station building at the second entry, the Government Railway Police (GRP) building, and a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge at the Katra end have already been completed. Works currently in progress include redevelopment of platforms 4/5 and 6/7, construction of a 72-metre air concourse, development towards the second entry, and a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge at the Delhi end.
The scheme envisaged comprehensive improvement of station infrastructure, including better access roads and circulating areas, integration of stations with both sides of the city, upgraded station buildings, modern waiting halls, toilets, seating arrangements and drinking water facilities. It also provides for wider foot overbridges or air concourses, lifts, escalators and ramps, improved platform surfacing and roofing, parking facilities, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, advanced passenger information systems, executive lounges, landscaping and kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ initiative.
The Railways said the scheme also focuses on environment-friendly and sustainable solutions, including provision of ballastless tracks wherever feasible, and aims to develop stations as long-term urban centres.
So far, 1,337 stations across the country have been identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including four stations in Jammu and Kashmir – Jammu Tawi, Budgam, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station. Redevelopment works at stations in the Union Territory are progressing well, the Ministry added.
At Budgam station, improvement of circulating areas, parking and approach roads has been completed, while works on platform surfacing, shelters, waiting rooms, booking offices, executive lounges, lifts and a 12-metre foot overbridge are underway. At Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station, upgrades to station buildings, lighting, signage, parking and approach roads have been completed, with further works on entry-exit gates, platform shelters, lifts, escalators and a foot overbridge in progress.
On the issue of land encroachment, the Minister informed that about two hectares of railway land in and around Jammu Tawi station have been encroached upon for a long period. Legal action has been initiated, and cases are currently pending under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act or before civil courts. However, the Ministry clarified that these encroachments have not hampered the redevelopment work.
On passenger amenities, the Ministry said free Wi-Fi has been provided at Jammu Tawi station, which is among over 6,100 railway stations nationwide offering the facility. Most stations are also covered by 4G and 5G mobile networks, enhancing passenger connectivity.
Highlighting Jammu Tawi’s importance as a major railhead, the Minister said the station is currently served by 110 train services, connecting it directly to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and Patna, with premium services such as Rajdhani, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar and Swaraj Expresses.
The introduction of new train services, the Railways added, is an ongoing process subject to operational feasibility and availability of infrastructure.
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