Title - Central Railway seeks funds from state for Kumbh facilities

NASHIK: The Central Railway (CR) has sought funds from the state government to create more amenities before the next Kumbh mela, scheduled to take place in 2015.Presenting the Rs 46.2-crore plan to the collectorate, the Railways is expecting the state government to render financial aid to the tune of Rs 15 crore as a grant that would take care of some temporary and some permanent facilities to be raised at Nashik and Odha railway stations."We received no government funds during the 2003-04 Kumbh mela and we managed everything on our own then. This time the influx of the pilgrims is expected to be more than double than what was then. Considering this, there is a need to provide facilities to the pilgrims and the state government's aid in the case is expected to boost facilities for the pilgrims," an official from the CR said.The Railways has planned a three-point programme for the development of Nashik that includes buying of land for the terminus as well. Though the railway officials were less optimistic about the Railway board sympathizing with the demands, officials said that if the state government lifted some part of the burden there were chances that the Board would also contribute for the permanent development of the Nashik Road railway station.The Rs 46.2 crore plan includes the construction of platforms, passenger amenities - waiting halls, lavatories, booking offices, reservation counters- and other things required to cater to large crowds on the west (existing) as well as the east (Sinnar-side) of the tracks.

"While major plans include shifting offices, construction of quarters, ample parking spaces, approach roads, construction of terminus etc, the works related to construction of platforms 4 and 5 at Nashik Road (railway station), make-shift arrangements related to development of waiting halls, lavatories, booking centres on temporary basis at Nashik Road and Odha railway stations, were related to the Kumbh mela," the official said.