Konkan Railway observing passenger facilitation fortnight

The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) has proposed a slew of passenger facilitation initiatives during the Rail Passenger and Customer Facilitation Fortnight from May 26 to June 9.

These include widened platforms and escalators at Udupi and a new station building at Mookambika Road – Byndoor Railway Stations. Platform shelters would be extended in Udupi.

The fortnight also coincides with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of KRCL. With the slogan

Sadar Seva KRCL is constantly working towards enhancing passenger comfort, a release said.

KRCL Chairman and Managing Director B.P. Tayal also released an Action Plan booklet at Mumbai on Tuesday to commemorate the occasion. During the fortnight celebration, the corporation would step up its “Swachch Bharat Campaign” by making Madgaon station a ‘Zero Waste Station’, where it has erected a compost plant. It has plans to install bio-toilets in all stations on the Konkan Railway network, while at present such toilets are working in Byndoor, Karwar, Madgaon, Karmali, Chiplun, Sawantwadi and Kankavali.

The corporation has initiated collection of bio-degradable garbage from pantry cars by paying Rs. 50 per 20 kg. It imposes Rs. 50,000 fine on pantry car or catering vendor for throwing garbage other than in the designated areas.

Officials have been nominated for inspection of all stations along KR route to ensure proper cleanliness. Awards will be given to those employees for taking special initiatives to keep their work areas and living areas clean. All KR employees, irrespective of grade, would be made computer literate. Surprise checks have been planned for catering services in trains and at stations.

New facilities proposed during Rail Passenger and Customer Facilitation Fortnight by KRCL

*Byndoor – new station building, PRS counter, circulating area, widened platforms

*Udupi – widened platforms and escalators

*Madgaon – Wi-fi, escalators, widening of platforms, bio-toilet, additional line and food court

*Thivim – widening of platform, new FoB, two additional lines

*Kankavali – widening of platform, one additional line

*Sawantwadi – new PRS, new FoB

*Ratnagiri – escalators and travelators