On Sunday, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer, visited Jammu Railway Station and took a first-hand appraisal of passengers facilities and an overview of the station re-development plan.
Divisional Traffic Manager (DTM), Mahesh Yadav, gave an overview and apprised the Div Com regarding the upcoming station re-development project of the Jammu railway station. It was informed that The Railways Ministry had identified Jammu Railway Station for re-development on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The facilities proposed under the re-development plan include congestion-free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration with other modes of transport systems—bus and metro etc., user-friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking etc.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming metro project alignment. The Railway authorities requested for developing the metro station nearby the existing railway station for easy access to the passengers.
The Additional Divisional Railway Manager Jammu briefed the Div Com regarding cancellation/short termination of inbound & outbound trains due to Punjab’s farmers’ protest. The Railway authorities apprised the Div Com that local trains as per need are being run by the Northern Railways between Katra -Amritsar section for the benefit of the passengers.
Dr Langer also reviewed security arrangements at the station, and the SSP Railways Arif Reshu briefed him regarding security aspects and other measures in place at the Railway Station.
The Station Director lauded the role of Police authorities and extended cooperation to them.
Additional DRM Jammu apprised the Div Com that in the long run cargo terminal is planned to be shifted to Bari Brahmana station and the oil terminal to Bajalta. This will make the passenger move hassle-free at the Jammu Railway Station in times to come.
The Div Com directed ADC Jammu to ensure that information regarding cancellation/short termination of trains is disseminated through the Information Department. At the same time, the public should be made aware to check the status of their trains through NTES (National Train Enquiry System). In addition, railway authorities were told to share daily schedules with the information department for circulation in the media for public information.
Meanwhile, the Div Com also interacted with the staff present at testing counters. The doctors on duty apprised the Divisional Commissioner about the arrangements being put in place by the district administration and the health department at the railway station to prevent and control Covid-19. It was informed that a total of 70 staff, including doctors and paramedics, had been deputed for testing at Railway station.
