Railway users panel demands more facilities for passengers

GORAKHPUR: The 105th meeting of Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) was held at Railway Officers' Club here on Wednesday.
Addressing the members, NER general manager KK Atal said that providing safe and comfortable journey to passengers is the main motive. Various facilities have been made available and a lot of others are in the pipeline."The performance of NER has been the best in all the zones of Indian Railways. During the current financial year till September 2013, total earning of NER has been Rs 870 crores, registering an increase of 26.8% as compared to same period of previous year," he claimed.
"Gorakhpur, Chhapra and Lucknow stations of NER have been declared as clean. Onboard House Keeping Scheme (OBHS) is in 14 pairs of trains at present. It would soon to be extended to another 12 pairs soon. Facilities like mechanized laundries in Gorakhpur and Kathgodam would be added soon," Atal added.
"As many as 196 unmanned level crossings have been closed and 179 manned during the last three years. Road Overbridges (ROBs) are also being constructed. Integrated Security plan is being implemented at Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Chhapra stations," he added.
MP Aditya Nath hailed the efforts the railway authorities for completing the Gorakhpur yard remodeling project in stipulated time. "I congratulate NER team for putting Gorakhpur on international arena by constructing longest platform of the world. I hope that under the stewardship of Atal, doubling and electrification of Barabanki-Gorakhpur-Chhapra mainline would be completed soon," he added.
"I suggest for introduction of Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains from Gorakhpur to New Delhi, pantry car in Gorakhdham Express, more facilities at Sahjanwa station and cleanliness at stations. Intercity Express between Gorakhpur-Ayodhya-Allahabad and Gorakhpur-Anandnagar-Gonda is also required," Aditya Nath said.
MP Kamlesh Paswan raised the issue of Sahjanwa-Doharighat new rail line. He demanded development of Chauri-Chaura and Barahaj railway stations and provision of pantry car in Gorkhdham Express.
MP Om Prakash Yadav wanted to know about the proposal of Lar-Manjhi new rail line and suggested for improvement of facilities at Jiradei, Siwan and Mairwa stations and stoppage of various trains.
MP Vinay Kumar Pandey demanded speedy work on Gonda-Barani gauge conversion, stoppage of Bihar Saptkranti and Garib Rath Express at Gonda and action regarding Buddhist circuit.
Other members of the committee demanded stoppage of trains, more booking and reservation counters, foot overbridges at stations, change in timings of trains and provision of more general coaches.
Several NER officials were present in the meeting.
Deputy general manager Sanjay Yadav conducted the meeting and proposed the vote of thanks.