Train passengers go tweet hurrah!
Adityapur station - one of the oldest halts under Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway (SER) where almost all short-distance trains stop - has hit a crore-high revamp gear to become more passenger- friendly.
While a renovated main building will host more number of ticket reservation counters, platform sheds will be extended to protect people from rain and sun. A waiting hall is also on the anvil to cushion the often-unpredictable train timetables.
"The main administrative building of the station as well as the circulating area will receive a facelift in six months from now. The SER authorities have sanctioned the requisite funds for renovation work," said A.K. Agarwal, senior divisional commercial manager of Chakradharpur.
According to Agarwal, who is also the railway spokesperson, Adityapur station assumes significance because of its proximity to A1-category Tatanagar junction and because it also falls on the Howrah-Mumbai main line. The station hosts over a dozen trains, including the Tata-Chapra Link Express and Tata-Patna South Bihar Express, and witnesses a daily footfall of around 20,000 passengers.
An official at Adityapur said according to the blueprint, the main building of the station would be renovated to host five ticket counters instead of the current three. "The platform sheds will be extended for passenger convenience during summer and monsoon. The parking area is getting a makeover too."
He further said that emphasis was being given to seating arrangements on platforms. "Proper seats on platforms and a separate waiting hall will allow passengers to rest when trains are delayed. A foot overbridge will make changing platforms less of a hassle, especially in the heat," he added.
Another official at Garden Reach, Calcutta, the headquarters of South Eastern Railway, revealed that around Rs 1 crore would be spent on renovation of the Adityapur station. "The work began earlier this month and will be completed in the next six months or so," he said.
Suresh Singh, a resident of S-Type in Adityapur, gave thumbs up to the project. "Passenger amenities were not up to the mark at our station. Seating arrangements were inadequate and legs ached when trains were delayed. The authorities must also consider installing drinking water taps," he said.
The Chotanagpur Passengers Association too welcomed the initiative. "We had raised the renovation issue at various forums. There is enough scope for development of passenger amenities at Adityapur station," said U.K. Chaturvedi, a senior functionary.
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) pointed out that if a revamped Adityapur could host more mail and express trains, it would reduce the traffic load on Tatanagar. Vijay Anand Moonka, vice-president of SCCI and also chairman of its railway committee, added that they would install a chilled drinking water kiosk at Adityapur station in a thankful gesture.
