‘Pune-Lonavala passengers down by two per cent’

He further said that funds of Rs 22 crore would be utilised to spruce up the security arrangements in the Central Railway. Out of this,Rs 1.5 crore will be utilised for Pune and Miraj stations that fall under the Pune division. Besides,a number of other facilities like ladies’ waiting room are in the pipeline for Pune station.

He added that since passengers are finding it difficult to cope with the shortage of ticket counters,the railway administration is in the process of adding another five windows at Pune Station. “We are going to install 12 to 14 automatic ticketing machines in Pune division,” he said.

Earlier during the day,the GM also inspected the subsidised hostel run by the railways at Shivajinagar Station and Porter Chawl. The inspection at the Pune Station lasted for nearly forty minutes.

Airtel Express for elderly,physically challenged
The Airtel Express small car will operate round-the-clock to facilitate the physically challenged and elderly passengers. These battery-operated cars would be available at the Pune Railway Station. The service would be provided free of cost. Private operators selected by the railways will run the vehicles. This initiative is being supported by the Central Railways and will be maintained by Shristi Communications,which will generate revenues for maintenance through advertisements.

To avail of this service,all the passenger has to do is to book it in advance by dialing 9004234444 or by placing a request at the information desk. The car can accommodate three persons per trip and has unique features such as being noiseless and eco friendly.