Tatanagar station has failed its third deadline to start a pair of escalators and elevators (lifts) at platforms 1 and 3.

The deadline of the passenger-friendly infrastructure, which was May-end, has been extended to June 30.

Earlier, the project, work on which started last July, skipped its deadlines in December 2016 and April 2017.

"We set a new deadline of June 30 for the lift and escalators as it is impossible to complete work before that. Earlier, we fixed an April deadline for making operational the escalator and the lift on platform 3 at least. But, the Ranchi-based private firm that's executing the project on behalf of railways expressed inability to complete installation this month," said Tatanagar station assistant engineer (AEN) S.K. Das. "Funds aren't a problem, as South Eastern Railway (SER) has sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore to install escalators and lifts at the A-1 category railway station."

A senior official of Chakradharpur railway division preferring anonymity said even the June 30 deadline was probable for platform 3 but work at platform 1 would take more time. Platform 3 sees more passenger rush and hosts important long-distance trains.

An insider said the main reason causing the delays was the lack of coordination between Tatanagar engineering department and railway electrical department.

Also, imported escalators that were supposed to reach in October 2016 came from China to Tatanagar station in the first week of March this year.

Tatanagar sees over 50,000 people and 45 pairs (up and down) of trains daily. Working escalators and elevators on platforms 1 and 3 would be particularly useful for the physically challenged, women and elderly.