‘More amenities for passengers now’
The North Central Railway (NCR) is now 10 years old. In this period, the zone has made several achievements. Hindustan Times caught up with NCR general manager Alok Johri to know about the efforts, plans and projects that have been completed during this duration, as well as steps planned for the future.
As general manager NCR tell us about your zone, areas/ regions served by it and the role it plays in the service of the nation.
NCR comprises three divisions - Agra, Allahabad and Jhansi - serving mostly Uttar Pradesh, along with parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. With its 375 stations, the NCR is spread over a 3150-kilometre route, 1432 of which are electrified, connecting the important east to west and north to south rail corridors. The zone runs more than 300 mail/express trains daily, with Allahabad division handling approximately 200, Jhansi 150 and Agra 125 trains. This is apart from the 200 passenger trains and approximately 450 goods train daily with 80% of through traffic in which we are at the mercy of other railways. We also have the fastest train of Indian Railways - Bhopal Shatabdi - running at 150 kmph on our system. The NCR has won several trophies and awards
What are the various activities planned by North Central Railway to commemorate 10 years of its existence?
To commemorate 10 years of North Central Railways, we have planned a number of activities, starting with the recently concluded photo exhibition. We have also started a massive tree plantation programme. This is followed by logo, slogan and jingle completion contest. A marathon is also being planned.
Over the last 10 years, what were the major efforts made by your zone to cater to the increasing traffic demand?
To cater to the increasing traffic demand, we have speeded up works of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling and third line to improve the section capacity of the highly saturated rail network.
What are the new amenities that have been provided by North Central Railways?
Stations are being provided with upgraded passenger amenities. Around 138 pairs of new trains serving NCR area have been started during last 10 years. Escalators at Allahabad Junction, new foot overbridge at 10 stations, and bio-toilets in 89 coaches re some steps taken in the interest of passengers.
What steps have been taken by NCR in the field of technological upgradation?
Older signalling systems have been replaced by modern ones at 143 stations. We have also initiated a path breaking successful trial of train protect i on and warning system.