Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer on Sunday visited Jammu Railway Station and took a first hand appraisal of passengers facilities and an overview of the station redevelopment plan.
Divisional Traffic Manager (DTM), Mahesh Yadav gave an overview and apprised the Div Com regarding the upcoming station redevelopment project of Jammu railway station. It was informed that Jammu Railway Station has been identified by the Railways Ministry for re-development on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The facilities proposed under the redevelopment 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 farmers' protest in Punjab. 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 cooperation being extended 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 oil terminal to Bajalta. This will make the passenger move totally 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, while the public should be made aware to check the status of their trains through NTES (National Train Enquiry System). Railway authorities were told to share daily schedules with the information department for circulation in the media for information of the public.
Meanwhile, the Div Com also interacted with the staff present at testing counters. The team of 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 for prevention and control of Covid-19. It was informed that a total 70 staff including doctors and paramedics has been deputed for testing at Railway station.
"Around 1000 to 1100 RAT sampling and 150 to 250 RT PCR is done on an average, while there is a very low Positivity Rate'' the health officials informed. It was informed that presently the influx of travelers is low. It was further informed that medical teams are available 24×7 and all the passengers are being sampled at the platforms.
The Div Com was accompanied by Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Station Director Railways, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu, SSP Railways, SDM Jammu South, CMO Jammu, Nodal Officer Railway, Tehsildar Bahu besides other concerned officers.