Dhanbad: The extension of the portico of Dhanbad railway station was inaugurated on Friday by Dhanbad MP P.N. Singh.

Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha, mayor Chandrashekar Agarwal, divisional railway manager Manoj Krishna Akhauri and senior divisional commercial manager Ashish Kumar Jha were also present on the occasion.

Addressing his audience, MP Singh said the extension would help passengers visiting the station. Dhanbad senior divisional commercial manager Ashish Kumar Jha said the extension of the portico would shield people and vehicles that arrive at the station during rough weather.

The 19-metre addition to the existing 5-metre portico takes the total length of the structure to 24 metres.

A source at Dhanbad division said the Rs 48-lakh construction was completed in six months and added that the structure would decongest traffic near the station.

"The extension has many uses. It will offer VIP passengers extra cover while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the railway complex.

More than 20,000 people visit the A-1 station that hosts over 100 goods and passenger trains every day.