Multi-model transport hub will help control crowd at station: Renu Sharma

Sharma has become the first official to hold the office for three years as against the norm of two-year tenure

Divisional railway manager (DRM) Renu Sharma of Pune railway division has become the first official to hold the office for three years as against the norm of two-year tenure. The reason cited is delay in appointment process by the Central Railway Board. HT speaks to Renu who took charge of the office on November 25, 2019.

Renu Sharma of Pune railway division (HT FILE PHOTO)

Share the experiences of your three-year tenure as Pune division DRM?

It was quite challenging, and unprecedented especially during the Covid-19 pandemic period. One of the major works carried out was railway track doubling and electrification and we have almost covered the division. Low-height subways, diesel shed and electric locomotive trip shed were constructed. Build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) laundries and train operations for workers traveling from Pune to various destinations in north India were started during the pandemic. The Loni terminal of Pune division became the first terminal in the country from where an ethanol rake was sent for transportation, and oxygen tankers were also unloaded at the station.

Any plans in place to check crowd at station premises?

We have taken steps to control crowd at the station by hiking platform ticket fare and deploying security staff. As Pune station is located at the centre of the city, we do not have scope for expansion of station area and control crowd outside station premises. We are in talks with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) to improve the second entry gate at the Pune railway station, from the Raja Bahadur Mills Road. It will help to ease the crowd burden on the main entrance of the station. We are planning a multi-model transport hub for passengers, including multilevel parking space.

Major works in progress at the Pune railway station?

Our proposal to install five lifts at the new foot overbridge (FOB) for the elderly and disabled is awaiting official clearance. The old FOB will be dismantled in a phase-wise manner by the railways. The yard remodelling work will begin from next month starting with increasing the length of platform no 6, 2 and 3. The project was delayed by around 6 to 7 years and I am happy that the works will start during my tenure.

Any project that you could not accomplish during your tenure?

I wanted to beautify the front side entrance of Pune railway station, as it is a heritage structure with thousands of footfalls. I wished to give passengers a memorable experience on station premises. Till March 2022, the maintenance and beautification works of the building and its entrance were with the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) before it was handed over to us. However, our revenue generation was hit due to the Covid pandemic. We tried to improve its lighting and carried out some beautification works, but I wanted to transform it into one of the popular spots for Punekars.