RailEnquiry

Jammu, AUG 07: In a much publicized Public Interest Litigation regarding modernization of Jammu Railway Station filed by Citizen Forum through its President RK Chadha, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Virender Singh and Justice Hasnain Massodi, directed Deputy Commissioner Samba regarding acquisition proceedings shall be initiated at the earliest. After hearing both the sides, Division Bench observed that Pursuant our last order AAG Siddiqui has placed on record the status report prepared by DC Samba in which it is stated that Director CAPD Jammu has placed the indent vide his letter dated June 11, 2012 and the process of acquisition of land has also been started by the office of DC Samba. It is further stated that in the said status report that all the required formalities are being completed in this regard. Upon this DB expects that the acquisition proceedings shall be initiated at the earliest. The DB further observed that so far as installation of benches at three plat forms at Railway Station Jammu Tawi is concerned, Chandel appearing for the Railway has placed on record the status report prepared by Asst Divisional Engineer Northern Railway Jammu Tawi, stating that on all platforms, the Benches have been installed beyond the minimum seat as required as per the norms. Adv Chandel also placed on record the latest status report with regard the meeting held on December 24, 2011. In the PIL filed by Citizen Forum prayed that Jammu Railway Stations requires modernization in its infrastructure to be increased in order to meet the need of the people. Day to Day the number of the tourists and pilgrims is increasing but there no proper infrastructure provided by the Authority. In the PIL it has been submitted that it is the duty of the Railways Authority to install Escalator and provide modern facilities including toilets to the passengers and it is further submitted that the railway authorities are under obligation to provide better bogies to the passengers who comes and leave Jammu Railway Station because it is in the main source of income of the Railways. It is further submitted that Railways are under obligation to provide infrastructure and to beautify the surroundings to the Railway Station and to make arrangement for the passengers for their sitting outside the Railway Station. DB orders Registry to list this PIL after four weeks for further consideration.