Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Dec 8: The activists of AJSU’s, East Singhbhum unit, on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) through the Station Superintendent, strongly opposing the complete closure of the VIP lane outside Tatanagar Railway Station and demanding immediate steps to curb train delays on routes approaching the station.
Led by district president Kanhaiya Singh, the delegation said the steel barricading of the VIP lane has caused major inconvenience to the public.
The party noted that during any VIP arrival, their vehicles are forced to wait in the dropping lane, resulting in long queues of passenger vehicles behind them.
Under the parking contractor’s rules, any vehicle halted for more than 10 minutes in the dropping lane faces a ₹500 fine — an unfair penalty on ordinary commuters.
AJSU also warned that the restriction would severely hinder the movement of emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire tenders and vehicles carrying persons with disabilities.
“This poses a direct risk to public safety and must be rectified,” the memorandum stated.
The party also raised concerns over excessive delays of trains entering Tatanagar.
While trains reach Chandil, Chakradharpur and Ghatsila on schedule, they often take an additional 3–4 hours to cover the final stretch to Tatanagar, causing hardship to passengers.
AJSU demanded immediate corrective action.
Station Superintendent Sunil Kumar clarified that only the President, Prime Minister, Governor and Chief Minister fall under the VIP category, and arrangements have been made for their movement through a designated gate.
He said discussions are underway regarding emergency vehicle access.
Former minister Ramchandra Sahis called the situation “a serious issue for Jamshedpur,” accusing the DRM of working “against public sentiment.”
He warned that AJSU would launch a public agitation if the concerns were ignored.
District president Kanhaiya Singh reiterated that the barricading was unacceptable.
“There is no provision for emergency services or differently abled passengers. Any delay could have disastrous consequences. If the railway administration does not act swiftly, AJSU will intensify its agitation,” he said.
