Railways jolted into action

The Northern Railway claims it has set the ball rolling for improved passenger facilities at the New Delhi railway station.

The Northern Railway claims it has set the ball rolling for improved passenger facilities at the New Delhi railway station.

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After Hindustan Times on Wednesday highlighted various problems ailing the station, instructions have now been issued to set things right.

Delhi's divisional railway manager (DRM) Anurag Sachan told officials to make the tourist bureau more accessible to foreigners. “I have told my officials to put up prominent signages in English on both sides of the station so that tourists can easily get there and are not trapped by touts and rogue travel agents.”

A new parking plan will be put in place and a pre-paid booth created soon. Six escalators and some elevators will be also installed for better mobility. An executive lounge has just been opened on the Ajmeri gate side to cater to the premium segment of passengers.

“Maintenance and upgradation of passenger facilities is a continuous process. On Wednesday, I held a meeting with station authorities and told them to set things right. We're all for improved amenities but our 90 per cent focus is on safety which goes unnoticed,” the DRM said.

“We have started a snack bar, a milk stall and a Chinese food outlet in the waiting hall on the Paharganj side. Good meals (Rail Ahaar) at R75 each are available on both sides of the station,” the DRM said.

“For the elderly, sick and differently-abled passengers, wheelchairs have been made available on both sides of the station. Battery-operated trolleys have been provided on a first-come-first-served basis. We have built a pathway for these passengers to transverse from one platform to another,” he added.