Nagpur: With Metro Rail project speeding in right direction, it is now time to give a facelift to the traditional Nagpur and Ajni railway stations in city. Central Railway has planned major redevelopment of both the stations by spending Rs20 crore on restructuring platforms, better passenger amenities, building train capacity in the long run and boost freight train movement.
Divisional railway manager (DRM) Brijesh Kumar Gupta said, “As part of the sanctioned long-term plan, straightening of platforms 1, 2, & 3 will be undertaken to ease train operations. Besides, Ajni will be developed into satellite terminus by constructing two more platforms and two pit-lines. This will ease congestion at main station,” he added.
Presently, when passenger trains occupy platform, goods trains cannot be cleared through middle line between platforms 1 & 2. “After straightening of the platforms, goods trains will pass of smoothly even if passenger trains are waiting on platforms,” Gupta said.
It has also been proposed to increase length of platform 4 & 5 to accommodate 24-coach trains, which at present cannot be done. “Enhancing length of platforms 4 & 5 will boost train operations as due to non-availability of full-length platforms trains had to stop at the outer,” Gupta explained.
The DRM informed one of the challenging works is to remove diamond crossing on northern end. Removal of non-standard diamonds in yard will facilitate maintenance and ease speed restrictions, thus minimizing detentions.
To benefit passengers, a 6-metre-wide FOB with lift on each platform covering all platforms (1 to 8) will be constructed to ease passenger flow and provide connectivity between east and west sides of the station. Platform surface will also be replaced with passenger-friendly material.
“We are close to developing Ajni as satellite terminal by adding 2 more island platforms taking the total number to 4. Some of the trains from Nagpur will be terminated and dispatched from Ajni decongesting Nagpur station. Most of these works will start next year,” Gupta said.
Another major plan is development of east side by Indian Railway Station Development Corporation Limited (IRSDCL). “IRSDCL will explore commercial potential by suitably modifying the structure and by building new structures at east side,” said Gupta.
After doubling of Kalamna-Nagpur line, at least 12 trains will be received and dispatched from platform 8. Presently, only Mumbai Duronto leaves from here. “All passenger trains will have car-to-coach arrangement. This will ease operations,” he said.
The division also plans to extend mist cooling system already in place at platform number 1 to other platforms by next summer. The much-needed battery operated cars will be available from January 1. It will be a big help for sick and senior citizens and will be on payment basis.
