Arun Joshi proposes Vande Bharat Metro between Tatanagar-Ranchi, seeks Howrah-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper via Tatanagar

Demand for enhanced passenger facilities at ZRUCC meeting

Jamshedpur: The Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) meeting of South Eastern Railway was held in Kolkata recently, with a strong focus on enhancing passenger amenities at Tatanagar Railway Station. The meeting witnessed the active participation of ZRUCC member Arun Joshi, who presented several crucial suggestions aimed at improving travel experiences for passengers.

During the discussion, Arun Joshi emphasized the growing need for better connectivity and proposed the initiation of a new Vande Metro train service between Tatanagar and Ranchi, as well as the Howrah-Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Vande Bharat (Sleeper Edition) via Tatanagar. He highlighted the demand for increased frequency and requested that a formal proposal be issued to the Railway Board to expedite the introduction of these trains.

In addition to new services, Joshi advocated for changes in the weekly maintenance schedule of the Rourkela and Howrah Vande Bharat trains, which currently operate via Tatanagar. He proposed shifting the maintenance days to ensure the availability of these trains on all seven days of the week, catering to the high demand from passengers.

Congestion at Tatanagar Coaching Depot was another major concern raised during the meeting. Joshi pointed out that the depot is currently operating beyond capacity, leading to operational challenges. To address this issue, he suggested either expanding the existing washing lines or relocating the coaching depot to a more spacious area. This, he argued, would streamline train maintenance processes and improve efficiency.

Parking and accessibility were also key points of discussion. Joshi suggested allocating designated parking spaces for Ola, Uber, and Rapido at the second entry area of Tatanagar Railway Station. He explained that this move would provide relief to passengers from the arbitrary practices of tempo drivers, ensuring a smoother and more organized commuting experience.

For the convenience of women and elderly passengers, Joshi recommended the development of ramp facilities as an alternative to traditional foot overbridges at all stations under South Eastern Railway. He expressed concern that despite the ongoing redevelopment of Tatanagar Railway Station at a significant cost, there were no provisions for ramps. He urged the authorities to prioritize the construction of ramps instead of staircases, ensuring better accessibility for all passengers.

The meeting concluded with the South Eastern Railway authorities taking note of the valuable suggestions presented by Arun Joshi. Acknowledging the importance of these demands, they assured that necessary steps would be taken to enhance passenger amenities and improve overall travel experiences.