Title - Ranchi railway station to get two escalators

RANCHI: In a move to boost passenger amenities at Ranchi station, the railways has decided to install two escalators that will help both thousands of general passengers and disabled people a smooth crossover from one platform to another.If implemented, Ranchi will be the first railway station in the state to get the escalators. The Jharkhand Passengers' Association has been demanding the facility at the station for long. The Rs 1-crore project will be installed within four months. Railway authorities have decided to bring the equipment from China to ensure that it is a quality product and lasts long.Ranchi divisional railway manager G Malaya said, "The facility is being installed to ensure passengers' amenity. It will also add a new look to the station. All formalities at the local level have already been made," he added.The escalator will be installed at platform No 1, which is used mostly for departure of important trains, and also at platform No. 4/5. The facility will connect other platforms with the entry platform as well. Only three platforms of the station here handle over 60 trains everyday. Platform Nos. 4 and 5 are not frequently used because lack of amenities. Around 70,000 people, including 20,000-odd people who come to see off their relatives and friends, use the station daily.Malaya said the railways had decided to improve the infrastructure at platform No 4/5 in view of the increasing passenger load at the station.

Jayant Singh, a frequent traveller to Delhi, said, "It (getting an elevator) would be an exciting thing to happen to Ranchi station. Currently, one feels awkward because of lack of infrastructure at the railway station while coming from Delhi and other metro cities," said Singh.

Chotanagpur Passengers Association (CPA) vice-president Ashok Nagpal said the facility was the need of the hour at the station.

"The facility was needed mainly for children, elderly people, and ailing people and of course disabled people. The station currently poses a sorry state of affairs as there is no facility for the disabled people and they have to ride up the steps with much difficulty," Nagpal added.