DRUCC members seek more passenger amenities, extension of trains
Chaired by Sudeshna Sen, DRM and Chairman of DRUCC, the meeting, held at the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)'s Conference Hall, Rail Vikas Bhavan, focused on a range of issues raised by the committee members. Key topics included the improvement of passenger amenities such as coach indication boards at various stations in the Guntur Division, introduction of new trains, demand for train stoppages, changes in train timings, and matters related to Road Over-Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under-Bridges (RUBs).
Ms. Sen briefed the gathering on the ongoing Amrit Station development works across the division and noted that doubling and expansion work is under way in the Nandyal-Nallapadu section, with enhanced amenities planned.
DRUCC member G.V. Narayana Reddy sought extension of the services of Guntur-Tirupati train up to Arunachalam for the benefit of devotees. Officials said they would discuss the matter with the Guntakal division authorities, since the stretch from Tirupati to Arunachalam falls under their jurisdiction.
R.K. Narasimham wanted the Guntur-Aurangabad train to run up to Nagarsole and Shirdinagar. For this, the officials informed that they would discuss with the Nanded division authorities.
N.Md. Jubair Basha sought extension of the train services from Nandyal to Nagarsol to Shirdinagar.
The DRUCC members have also made several other proposals.
While the branch officers addressed the issues pertaining to their jurisdiction, the matters beyond divisional authority were recommended for escalation to Railway Headquarters.
G.V. Narayan Reddy was elected by DRUCC members as the Zonal RUCC representative from this division. K. Simon, Additional DRM, and other officials were present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Bandra station crackdown: ₹500 fine for spitting, littering as officials tighten cleanliness norms
MUMBAI: As the Bandra railway station plays host to the colourful Station Mahotsav, launched on July 5, railway authorities have decided to clamp down on a far less festive issue—spitting and littering. A recent inspection by senior Western Railway (WR) officials has revived the long-standing demand for stricter enforcement of cleanliness norms at this 19th-century Grade I heritage site. Mumbai, India - July 12, 2025: The railways will be levying fines on people who litter or spit inside rail premises at Bandra in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, July 12, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) The move comes after officials, during a routine visit amid the ongoing celebrations, spotted fresh paan stains marring the freshly scrubbed walls of the building, which dates back to 1888 in Victorian Era. Despite Bandra station being decked up with cultural programmes, exhibitions and artistic competitions, its visual charm was undercut by tell-tale signs of civic apathy. 'We found red stains on walls even though contractors had been asked to ensure the building remained spotless during the festival,' a senior WR official told this newspaper. 'We are now introducing a dedicated receipt book for ticket checkers to issue ₹500 fines to those caught spitting or littering. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been asked to take action against offenders.' The revised fine of ₹500, up from ₹200 earlier, was officially notified in February. According to WR officials, between April 2024 and January 2025, over 2,300 cases of spitting and littering were registered, amounting to nearly ₹6 lakh in fines collected. The Commercial Department is compiling further data to assess the behavioural trends and improve enforcement. The decision to revive enforcement was formally taken at the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held on July 10, where passenger representatives raised concerns about hygiene, beggars, loiterers, and train punctuality. 'We urged railway officials to penalise those who deface public spaces. WR also informed us that additional CCTVs are being installed inside trains to deter unwanted elements,' said Rajiv Singhal, DRUCC member. Sources confirmed that Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Pankaj Singh had personally visited Bandra station and expressed displeasure over the state of maintenance. He reportedly pulled up the cleaning contractors for shabby upkeep of platforms and toilets. One of the recurring complaints, officials said, was that insufficient cleaning manpower and careless littering by commuters were making the job harder. 'To cut costs, contractors are deploying fewer cleaning staff, which is affecting station hygiene. Corners of platforms and track ends are often neglected. We will now focus on catching people who litter, to help maintain higher standards of cleanliness,' a senior official said. Bandra Station Mahotsav: Blending heritage with celebration Launched on July 5, the Bandra Station Mahotsav has turned the bustling transit hub into a venue of cultural celebration. The festival kicked off with a vibrant performance by a troupe of African drummers and includes a series of competitions and exhibitions designed to spotlight the station's legacy and community connections. As part of the festivities: A commemorative postal cover will be released on July 27 at the closing ceremony. Cultural performances by local artists, vlog-making contests, and art competitions have been organised. The 'Purani Yaadein' contest invites citizens to share photos, videos, and voice clips of their cherished memories connected to the station. Creative submissions under Art & Craft include drawings, paintings, digital artwork, and clay models inspired by the station's heritage. The final date for submissions across events is July 20, while the closing ceremony on July 27 will also mark the official inauguration of the postal cover. A legacy worth preserving Declared a Grade I heritage structure under the Maharashtra Government's 1995 heritage regulations, Bandra Station is a rare architectural blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian styles. Originally opened in 1864, the current heritage station building was constructed in 1888. Its gabled roofs, pointed arches and ornate detailing continue to charm thousands of commuters who pass through its portals daily.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Vande Bharat incident: Railways to deploy safety measures along tracks
1 2 3 4 5 Patna: The recent tragic dead of a local resident after being hit by semi-high-speed Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express on Nawada-Kiul route under Danapur division of East Central Railway (ECR) has once again brought attention to the urgent need for safety measures along railway tracks in Bihar. The 50-year-old man died in an attempt to save his two buffaloes that had strayed onto the tracks on Monday. This unfortunate incident has intensified demands from local residents, activists and public representatives to take preventive steps, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas where railway tracks pass through open fields or densely populated villages. "Introducing modern trains like Vande Bharat is a step forward towards connectivity, but safety must move forward too. Barricading vulnerable sections near villages and grazing areas is critical, especially where people and livestock regularly cross tracks," a social activist of Danapur, Pradeep Priyadarshi, said, adding that in states like Bihar, encroachments and unauthorised crossings are common. Talking to this newspaper on Wednesday, Danapur divisional railway manager (DRM) Jayant Kumar Choudhary said that the Railway Board had sanctioned a proposal to erect fences along DDU-Patna-Jhajha and Patna-Gaya routes of the division. The railways would build hard concrete boundary walls through thickly inhabited areas, while regular metallic crash barrier-type fencing would be erected in other stretches, he said. However, fencing all along railway tracks is a prerequisite requirement for high-speed trains running at 160km per hour. The board has sanctioned Rs 600 crore in the current budget for this work, which includes the construction of road over bridges and road under bridges at all vulnerable places in the division, the DRM said. The railways have started taking precautionary steps along vulnerable places by sealing them to prevent stray animals from coming on tracks, as well as checking trespassing in railway areas through which semi-high-speed trains pass daily, said Sonepur DRM Vivek Bhushan Sood.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
79 railway employees felicitated with Rail Seva Purashkar
Patna: Railways felicitated 79 railway employees of Danapur division in East Central Railway (ECR) with 'Rail Seva Purashkar 2024' on the railway officers' club premises at Khagaul on Friday. These employees were honoured for their outstanding performance, commitment to duty, and exceptional service, besides ensuring smooth and safe operation of rail services in the division, said DRM Jayant Kumar Choudhary. Speaking on the occasion, the DRM commended the employees for their unwavering dedication and emphasised the importance of teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement in the functioning of railways in the division. The event was attended by senior railway officials, employees, and union representatives who lauded the achievements of their colleagues and celebrated the spirit of public service. The 'Rail Seva Puraskar' is an annual recognition that aims to motivate railway personnel and promote a culture of excellence, accountability and innovation within the railways network, said a senior railway official.
