Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 3: Bindu Muralidharan, regional railway manager of Konkan Railway Corporation, held a press meet at Railway Community Hall in Indrali, Udupi, on Tuesday June 2 as part of activities undertaken by ‘Upbhokta Pakhwada’ (rail passenger and customer facilitation - fortnightly).
Addressing the media persons, she said that Konkan Railway aims to achieve compost plants for all the stations. “There are also plans to install bio-toilets in all stations on the Konkan Railway route. So far, bio-toilets have been installed at Kankavali, Sawantwadi, Chiplun, Carmali, Madgaon, Kara, and ' Byndoor stations. Various schools, colleges, and NGOs are being approached for participating in the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’.”
“Officials have been nominated for inspection of all stations along the Konkan Railway route to ensure proper cleanliness. Konkan Railway has a dedicated toll-free train enquiry number: 800-233-1332. The corporation has earned Rs 907 lac during 2013-14 from ticket checking drives and Rs 21,148 lac in 2014-15, an increase of 26.61 percent,” added Muralidharan.
She informed that an escalator will be installed in Indrali railway station at the entrance. It will be helpful, especially for senior citizens and passengers to carry their luggage with ease.
A proposal has been submitted to Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, railway minister, regarding doubling of tracks from Udupi to Thokur, from Roha to Karanjate, and a new railway line from Chiplun to Karad.
“There are certain amenities also planned during the year as modular structure of roofing at Byndoor is changing from east to west, a new station building, circulating area, a platform shelter measuring 45m X 10 m, and extension as well as platform along with an escalator for Udupi,” she added.
Muralidharan told media persons that Konkan railway was running a regular profit and with respect ti loan repayment, the turnover is comparatively less. “The Konkan Railway management is focusing on strengthening of RBF along with promoting tourism. During this fortnight, initiatives will be taken for skills development by the railway by imparting computer literacy to people in remote areas along the Konkan route. Already 15,916 villagers have availed of the Railways’ ‘Shiksha Abhiyan’. Tourist guide training is being imparted to local taxi and auto rickshaw drivers fit promote tourism.
Sudha Krishnamurthy was present at the press conference.