Railway Budget: Great Expectations

Persistent demands by commuter groups and local representatives have forced the railways to start a good number of new trains from the city in the past few years. While there is still a huge demand for new trains,what is really worrying is the absence additional infrastructure at the Pune station to deal with the increased rail and commuter traffic.

Everyday as many as 187 trains pass through the station and over 60 trains terminate at the station. There are only six platforms including one that can accommodate only 18 bogeys. With an average of 32 trains per platform,the station is extremely congested. This not only causes inconvenience to passengers but also renders the station unable to deal with disruptions.

Though announcement to make Pune station ‘world class’ was made in 2009,much hasn’t been done in that direction with the railway administration citing lack of funds. Authorities say that though the railways had announced world class station for Pune,high costs and lack of funds have prevented the progress.

The passengers are hoping that at least this time there are financial provisions for upgradation of the station,instead of mere fat announcements.

“Upgradation of infrastructure at Pune station is most important and primary need of the hour and,hopefully,this budget will announce some funds for the work instead of empty announcements.Though the division is supposed carry out the major projects by entering into a partnership with the state government and municipal corporations,the budget should at least allot a minimum amount of funds for starting the work immediately,” said Harsha Shah,president of Railway Pravasi Sangh.

According to Central Railway officials,till the plans of world class station materialise,the railways has started efforts to at least make station minimally prepared to deal with the traffic but that too would need a financial boost from the budget.

“The Pune railway division is planning to approach Pune Municipal Corporation with a proposal. Work to build a podium at the entrance of the Pune station has also been announced by the general manager of Central Railway. We have also undertaken the work for extension of the Platform No 6. If we get funds in this budget,the work will gain momentum,” said a railway official requesting anonymity.