Div Com takes stock of facilities at Jammu Rly Station; discusses redevelopment plan

Divisional Commissioner during visit to Jammu Railway Station.
Divisional Commissioner during visit to Jammu Railway Station.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 26: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today visited Jammu Railway Station and took a first hand appraisal of passengers facilities and an overview of the station redevelopment plan.
Divisional Traffic Manager (DTM), Mahesh Yadav gave an overview and apprised the Div Com regarding the upcoming station redevelopment project of Jammu Railway Station.
It was informed that Jammu Railway Station has been identified by the Railways Ministry for re-development on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The facilities proposed under the redevelopment plan include congestion free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration with other modes of transport systems-bus and metro etc., user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking etc.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming metro project alignment. The Railway authorities requested for developing the metro station nearby the existing railway station for easy access to the passengers.
The Additional Divisional Railway Manager Jammu briefed the Div Com regarding cancellation/short termination of inbound & outbound trains due to farmers’ protest in Punjab. The Railway authorities apprised the Div Com that local trains as per need are being run by the Northern Railways between Katra -Amritsar section for the benefit of the passengers.
Dr Langer also reviewed security arrangements at the station and the SSP Railways Arif Reshu briefed him regarding security aspects and other measures in place at the Railway Station.
Additional DRM Jammu apprised the Div Com that in the long run cargo terminal is planned to be shifted to Bari Brahmana station and oil terminal to Bajalta. This will make the passenger move totally hassle free at the Jammu Railway Station in times to come.
The Div Com directed ADC Jammu to ensure that information regarding cancellation/short termination of trains is disseminated through the Information Department, while the public should be made aware to check the status of their trains through NTES (National Train Enquiry System). Railway authorities were told to share daily schedules with the information department for circulation in the media for information of the public.
Meanwhile, the Div Com also interacted with the staff present at testing counters. The team of doctors on duty apprised the Divisional Commissioner about the arrangements being put in place by the district administration and the health department at the railway station for prevention and control of Covid-19. It was informed that a total 70 staff including doctors and paramedics has been deputed for testing at Railway station.