The Mysuru division of South Western Railway has proposed important passenger amenity works during 2015-16 including platform shelters, facilities for persons with disabilities and new retiring rooms at different stations.
Emphasis will also be on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness at all stations for which special drives will be launched frequently.
The first phase of the construction of the subway, connecting platform 1 with platforms 2 and 3 at Mysuru station, is expected to be completed by the end of the current year while new ATMs will be installed at Mysuru and Hassan stations.
Divisional Railway Manager Rajkumar Lal told presspersons here on Friday that platform shelters had been proposed for 18 stations across the Mysuru division during the current year and it is expected to cost Rs. 1.19 crore.
In addition, improvements to platform surfaces, extension of platform shelter etc. at Arsikere at an estimated Rs.1.67 crore, extension of platforms 2 and 3 at Mysuru station and shelter on platforms 4 and 5 at an estimated Rs.1.79 crore, provision for ramps at stations for persons with physical disabilities at 32 stations at an estimated Rs. 2 crore are the other amenities proposed for the current year.
Seating arrangements at Mysuru station is being improved at a cost of Rs. 52 lakh and the contract has been awarded to Karnataka Bank for installing their ATMs at Mysuru and Hassan stations.
Extension of platforms at 30 stations have been proposed to accommodate long trains which run in the division and this is expected to cost Rs. 1.62 crore, said Mr. Lal.
Due to the increase in passenger rush and to clear the summer rush, the authorities have sought augmentation of Basava Express to Bagalkot and Golgubaz Express to Solapur, Hampi Express to Hubballi and Tirupathi Fast Passenger trains.
To streamline the queue system and reduce congestion at the current booking counter, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATMVs) will be installed at nine stations in the division.
Mr. Lal admitted that the project was delayed but pointed out that the earlier tenders had to be cancelled after which fresh tenders were invited and by all probability the ATMVs will be in place by June-end.
To reduce the waiting time to procure tickets, the railways have introduced ‘Operation 5 minutes’ across India and two destination-specific counters have been opened which operates during peak hours in the morning and evening. Such destination-specific counters would be opened at Shivamogga, Davangere, Hassan, Arsikere, Harihar and other stations.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Anil Kumar was present.
Improvement, extension of platform shelters
Extending platforms at various stations
Provisions of ramps for persons with physical disabilities
New retiring room at various stations
ATMs to be installed
