Title - 'Nashik lacks political will to build terminus'

NASHIK: Even as the Railways has asked the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to provide it with ready reckoner rates for the 13.58-acre plot reserved exclusively by the civic body for construction of the 'Railway terminus and allied activities', railway authorities say the sanctioning of terminus would happen now or never. In February in 2012, the Railways, responding to the letter from then deputy mayor Devayani Pharande, had asked the NMC to furnish the rate for the land reserved for the expansion.While the NMC is still preparing a draft for the same, railway officials now hope for a political push to the the proposal this time. The railways authorities' wish comes considering the treatment meted out to similar in the year 2009."In 2009, we had sent a similar proposal to the railway board. At that time cost of the land was Rs 10 crore. We were then asked to send a proposal with the cost of facilities that we would like to construct. Accordingly, a proposal was designed and presented to the office. But after this there was no further inquiry sought on the proposalnever ever enquired about the same," a railway official said. He added that till date there has been no word on the proposal despite there being several agitations and demands over the construction of the terminus.The official further pointed out that nearly six trains were started originally from Nashik, but the city did not get a single train as all of them were hijacked by different cities like Manmad (Panchavati Express, Godavari Express and Rajya Rani Express), Parbhani (Tapovan Express) and Bhusawal (Nashik - Pune Express) all of which started focusing on passenger movement from Nashik. Moreover, these places had a terminus to service the trains after their journey. So far there have been demands by activists and passengers alike for upgrading Nashik Road as a railway terminus but to no avail. "The demands are too many and agreed very important. But the

Nashik's politicians must set their priorities in order and focus on what they need from the RailwaysNo politician is unfortunately fighting for the well being of passengers, instead take pride in nurturing egos and playing to their galleries," the official said. The official was also critical about the officers coming to Nashik on postings for short period saying they were not bothered much about the development at the place, but simply completed their tenure and moved on. "There was neither attachment, nor was there a chance for those committed to prove their mettle and this is why Nashik is lacking development so far," the official added.

With Kumbh mela scheduled in Nashik in 2015, the Railways wants to expand and hence has to make the most of the opportunity available.

MP Sameer Bhujbal has said that he would personally look into the matter. of upgrading Nashik as a railway terminus and would meet with the Railway authorities.Currently in Delhi attending parliament session, MP Sameer Bhujbal said that he was aware that Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) had reserved land for 'Railway terminus and allied activities' and that it was made available to the Railways.

"Since the Railways have sought the price of land from NMC, I will see to it that we get through our long pending demand," Bhujbal said.The railway officials have said that they were also trying to seize the opportunity and propose the terminus and other activities in the area. "The said piece of land is absolutely fine to host activities such as cleaning, maintenance, charging and all others required to be done for a train before departing on its journey and as such a terminus can be constructed here. However, it would be too early to comment on anything," the official said.