DRM Conducts Surprise Inspection of Tatanagar Station, Slams Officials Over Poor Maintenance

Jamshedpur (Mail News Service): In the wake of the recent Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express fire incident, Tarun Kumar Huria, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Chakradharpur Railway Division, carried out a surprise inspection of Tatanagar Railway Station on Tuesday. During the inspection, the DRM expressed strong displeasure over poor cleanliness, overgrown bushes, and maintenance lapses at the railway washing lines and issued stern instructions for immediate rectification.

Arriving at Tatanagar via road, the DRM headed straight to the railway washing line, where he found unhygienic conditions, shrubs growing near tracks, and overall disorder. He personally clicked photographs on his mobile phone and reprimanded the concerned officials on the spot, directing them to improve upkeep without delay.

Strict Action After Ernakulam Express Fire Incident

Taking the December 29 fire incident involving two AC coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Elamanchili station in Andhra Pradesh seriously, the DRM conducted a detailed inspection of an AC coach of a passenger train stationed at Washing Line No. 2. The maintenance and inspection procedures were thoroughly reviewed.

During the inspection, filters were removed and checked using air pressure cleaning. When the air pressure system was found non-functional, the DRM expressed sharp displeasure and ordered immediate repairs. He later inspected a pantry car coach stationed at Washing Line No. 1 and directed on-the-spot cleaning after noticing garbage and unmanaged vegetation on the tracks. Once the air pressure system was restored, the DRM personally supervised the filter cleaning process.

Review of Station Redevelopment and Pending Overbridge

After the field inspection, the DRM walked to the office of the Senior Coaching Depot Officer to review arrangements. He later held a half-hour meeting with officials at the Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction) office, where he reviewed the Tatanagar Station Redevelopment Plan and the progress of an overbridge project pending for nearly two years. Detailed discussions were held on maps, technical aspects, and execution timelines.

Station Road Shopkeepers Seek Rehabilitation Before Eviction

Under the railway station redevelopment plan, preparations are underway to remove around 37 shops located from Station TOP towards Kitadih. Affected shopkeepers have been repeatedly approaching MPs, MLAs, and railway officials, seeking alternative arrangements to protect their livelihoods.

During the DRM’s inspection, a delegation of shopkeepers, including Vishnu Kesar and others, met Tarun Kumar Huria and urged that rehabilitation be ensured before any eviction drive. They warned that removal without alternatives would lead to a severe livelihood crisis. The DRM assured them that their demands would be considered seriously and that they would be informed once a decision is taken. The shopkeepers also submitted a written memorandum detailing their concerns.