Dhanbad railway station

Dhanbad, Jan. 24: More than 2,000 players and officials arriving to the coal capital may well be spared the sights of scurrying rodents and unwelcome encroachers outside the railway station, with district authorities deciding to put their best foot forward for the National Games.

The district railway authorities, while putting in place a fool proof security blanket for players and visiting officials, have started cracking down on illegal encroachments outside the station premises.

This apart, the authorities have stepped up cleanliness drives in and around the Dhanbad railway station and will provide passengers with basic amenities like drinking water on the platforms.

“After the administration started cracking down on the encroachers, the station has started acquiring a decent look,” said divisional railway manager of East Central Railway Anand Sagar Upadhyay.

Upadhyay added that apart from Dhanbad, the authorities would also focus on Kumardhubi railway station where some of the players are expected to arrive.

“We will put up extra lights in and around both the stations. A strict watch will also be kept so that all reservation counters are open at scheduled times to ensure that players and officials do not have any difficulties in procuring their tickets,” Upadhyay said.

He added that special reception counters would be opened on the station premises to provide necessary information to the visiting players and officials.

Players and dignitaries can also look forward to air-conditioned comforts with the railways deciding to throw open its the Rangatand-based guest house, apart from one on the station premises itself, to them.

“A team of RPF and GRP jawans, apart from district police officers, will be responsible for the security of the players,”said district superintendent of police P.K. Srivastava.

He added that security in and around both Dhanbad and Kurmardubi would be beefed up during the Games.

“The forces have been asked to remain on high alert,” he said.