Bhubaneswar, June 5: Question is being raised whether the sixth platform at Bhubaneswar railway station will open for the public before Nabakalebar.

Two more platforms are supposed to be added to the existing four at the station before the mega festival in July. But, while one of these is supposed to be ready in time, doubts linger over the finishing date of the sixth platform.

Binayak Prasad Swain, chief safety officer of the East Coast Railway, said delay in removing encroachment resulted in slow work. "Though the platform No. 5 will be ready, platform No. 6 may not be. However, the tracks adjacent to where the sixth platform is supposed to come up would be ready to use," said Swain, who was at the station to observe the International Level Crossing Day yesterday.

However, the railway's chief public relations J.P. Mishra told The Telegraph that efforts were on to finish the entire work at the station before Nabakalebar.

"There are still 40 days to go before the festival, and we hope that platform No. 6 will be ready by that time," said Mishra. He said work on the newly constructed double line between Sakhigopal and Puri had been finished, and it would be operational by the end of this month.

Chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati and the railway's general manager Rajiv Vishnoi visited the newly constructed Malatipatpur station and inspected the new double railway line. They also inspected the facilities at Puri station.

"Almost all the work is over with final touches being given. The double lines would be made operational after we get the safety certificate from the commissioner of railway safety," said Mishra.

The railway has set up a tourist complex at Puri station for around 10,000 people. Besides, 50 booking counters would be set up at Puri station, while around 35 such counters will come up at other stations around Puri.

The railway will run 200 special trains during Nabakalebar. Usually, 80 special trains are run during rath yatra. Double railway lines would help in the running of more trains to evacuate tourists from the pilgrim town during the grand festival.

The railway held street plays and organised other activities to create awareness among people about safety and security at railway stations and level crossings to mark the International Level Crossing Day.