ProUI

ALLAHABAD: An essay competition was organized for children at the railway officers club at Subedarganj on Sunday. The competition was organised under the auspices of North Central Railway Women Welfare Organization (NCRWWO).

The participants were divided into three groups. 40 children in the age group of 6 to 9 years participated in the first group while the second group comprised of 67 children in the age group of 9 to 12 years. The third group had 46 children in the age group from 12 to 15 years. The topic for the first group was, 'A day spent in the company of grandfather' while the topic for the children in the second group was 'Healthy Food'. The topic of the third group was 'Empowerment of Women' or 'Rising Prices'.

President of NCRWWO Chitrangada Johri distributed prizes to the winners.

Office bearers of NCRWWO including Madhulika Singh, Afshan Kabeer, Vibha Garhwal, Kamini Swaroop, Charu Mathur, Priti Kumar, Rakhi Dwivedi, Richa Negi, Neelima Singh, Sumitra Meena, Sushmita Saxena and others were present.

The following trains will be temporarily augmented with effect from the dates given against them :
1.Train No. 17230 Hyderabad – Thiruvananthapuram Sabari Express will be temporarily augmented by one First AC coach from 21.09.2013 to 20.10.2013 & Train No 17229 Thiruvananthapuram – Hyderabad Sabari Express from 23.09.2013 to 22.10.2013.
2.Train No. 17652 Kacheguda – Chennai Egmore Express will be temporarily augmented by 2 Sleeper Class coaches from 21.09.2013 to 20.10.2013 & Train No. 17651 Chennai Egmore – Kacheguda Express from 24.09.2013 to 23.10.2013.
3.Train No. 17643 Chennai Egmore – Kakinada Port Circar Express will be temporarily augmented by 2 Sleeper Class coaches from 22.09.2013 to 21.10.2013 & Train No. 17644 Kakinada Port – Chennai Egmore Circar Express from 23.09.2013 to 21.10.2013.

समस्तीपुर रेल मंडल में साइबर क्राइम बदस्तूर जारी है। पहले ट्रेन रद कर लाखों का वारा-न्यारा किया गया। अब आरक्षण चार्ट रद कर रिफंड काखेल खेलने की बात सामने आई है। इंटरनेट के जरिए जारी टिकट दो ही स्थिति में रिफंड होती है। जब चार्ट न बना हो और जब गाड़ी रद हो। समस्तीपुर रेल मंडल में साइबर क्राइम के खुलासे के बाद भारतीय रेल में ट्रेन रद करने को आवंटित आइडी सिर्फ डीसीएम और एसीएम तक सीमित कर दी गई। परंतु खिलाड़ियों ने तरीका बदलकर कार्यो को अंजाम देना शुरू कर दिया। अब ट्रेन के बदले आरक्षण चार्ट ही रद कर दिया जा रहा है।1दरभंगा से दिल्ली जानेवाली बिहार संपर्क क्रांति एक्सप्रेस (12565), शहीद एक्सप्रेस (14673), गरीबरथ एक्सप्रेस (12203), मिथिला एक्सप्रेस (13022) और ज्ञान गंगा एक्सप्रेस (11034) निशाने पर रहीं। 13 फरवरी 2013, सुबह 8.35 बजे दरभंगा से प्रस्थान करनेवाली बिहार संपर्क क्रांति एक्सप्रेस का चार्ट उसी दिन सुबह 8 बजकर 8 मिनट पर पहली बार व सुबह 8.19 बजे दूसरी बार रद किया गया। इस कार्य को दरभंगा की आइडी संख्या डीबीजी जीएसएस द्वारा काउंटर नंबर दो से अंजाम दिया गया। पुन: 9 अप्रैल को खुलने वाली इसी गाड़ी के चार्ट को 8 अप्रैल की रात 10 बजकर 09 मिनट पर उसी आइडी से काउंटर संख्या तीन से रद किया गया। 29 अप्रैल को खुलने वाली उक्त ट्रेन का चार्ट भी 28 अप्रैल को दरभंगा के काउंटर संख्या 3 से इसी आइडी पर रात 8.44 बजे रद किया गया। इसी तरह 30 मार्च को जयनगर से अमृतसर जाने वाली शहीद एक्सप्रेस (14673) का चार्ट 29 की रात्रि 9.12 बजे दरभंगा के काउंटर संख्या 3 से डीबीजी आरपीजे द्वारा रद किया गया। 5 अप्रैल को दरभ्ांगा से पुणो जानेवाली ज्ञान गंगा एक्सप्रेस (11034) का चार्ट अपराह्न् 16.35 बजे डीबीडीएसकेजे द्वारा काउंटर संख्या 2 से उसी तिथि को दरभंगा में रद किया गया। जबकि गाड़ी खुलने का समय 16 बजकर 45 मिनट है। 3 मई को रक्सौल से दिल्ली जाने वाली सत्याग्रह एक्सप्रेस (गाड़ी संख्या 15273) 1 मई को एसपीजी एपीवाई आइडी द्वारा 21.37 बजे एवं उसी ट्रेन का चार्ट रक्सौल से 19.28 बजे रद किया गया।1आरक्षण चार्ट एक बार बनकर तैयार हो जाने पर कैंसिल नहीं होता है। कोच की संख्या में वृद्धि होने या किसी वीवीआइपी की यात्र को लेकर कभी-कभार ऐसा होता है। अभी तक इस तरह की बात संज्ञान में नहीं है, यदि ऐसा हुआ है तो मामले की जांच की जाएगी।1- एमएएआइ हुमायूं1वरिष्ठ मंडल वाणिज्य प्रबंधक

PUNE: Members of the passenger amenities' committee of the Indian Railways who visited Pune railway station on Monday found the station satisfactorily clean but sought improvement in seating arrangements.

On making Pune a world-class station, the committee said the Railways would start with Delhi and later take up works at other stations in phases.

The committee's chairman Chalvadi Narayanswami along with other members including Raghavendra Pratapsingh, Sayantan Chatterjee, and Alam Khan, who inspected the passenger amenities at the station said cleanliness at stations and in trains is top priority.

The chairman said a toll-free helpline number will be displayed on the platforms for passengers to lodge complaints.

When told that cleanliness on tracks at the station is a big concern and that many people are unhappy about the situation, railway officials maintained there has been an improvement in the last three months.

Chalvadi said he had noticed lack of seating arrangements at the station and that many passengers were sitting on the floor of the platforms. He said he had asked railway officials to improve the arrangements.

Observing that all bonafide passengers deserve good amenities, the committee members said all the problems at stations will be identified and rectified. They appreciated the 24 x 7 CCTV surveillance, bag scanning, display and sign boards at Pune station.

On complaints about the quality of food served at stations and on trains, Chalvadi said he had inspected kitchens to ensure that quality of food is maintained.

Pune was listed among 50 other stations for world-class facilities and passenger amenities. Railway officials said the works will first be taken up at Delhi station.

The committee members admitted that funds were an issue that hindered works.

Railway officials said there was no immediate possibility for a separate terminus or a platform at the station for suburban local trains.

On halting of express trains at intermediate stations to reduce passenger traffic at Pune station, the railway officials said a few trains do halt at the stations and they were working on this plan.

Pune divisional railway manager Suneet Sharma, additional divisional railway manager A B Mendhekar were also present during the inspection.

PUNE: Members of the passenger amenities' committee of the Indian Railways who visited Pune railway station on Monday found the station satisfactorily clean but sought improvement in seating arrangements.

On making Pune a world-class station, the committee said the Railways would start with Delhi and later take up works at other stations in phases.

The committee's chairman Chalvadi Narayanswami along with other members including Raghavendra Pratapsingh, Sayantan Chatterjee, and Alam Khan, who inspected the passenger amenities at the station said cleanliness at stations and in trains is top priority.

The chairman said a toll-free helpline number will be displayed on the platforms for passengers to lodge complaints.

When told that cleanliness on tracks at the station is a big concern and that many people are unhappy about the situation, railway officials maintained there has been an improvement in the last three months.

Chalvadi said he had noticed lack of seating arrangements at the station and that many passengers were sitting on the floor of the platforms. He said he had asked railway officials to improve the arrangements.

Observing that all bonafide passengers deserve good amenities, the committee members said all the problems at stations will be identified and rectified. They appreciated the 24 x 7 CCTV surveillance, bag scanning, display and sign boards at Pune station.

On complaints about the quality of food served at stations and on trains, Chalvadi said he had inspected kitchens to ensure that quality of food is maintained.

Pune was listed among 50 other stations for world-class facilities and passenger amenities. Railway officials said the works will first be taken up at Delhi station.

The committee members admitted that funds were an issue that hindered works.

Railway officials said there was no immediate possibility for a separate terminus or a platform at the station for suburban local trains.

On halting of express trains at intermediate stations to reduce passenger traffic at Pune station, the railway officials said a few trains do halt at the stations and they were working on this plan.

Pune divisional railway manager Suneet Sharma, additional divisional railway manager A B Mendhekar were also present during the inspection.

स्टेशनों पर हो वाहनों की व्यवस्‍था
यार्ड रिमाॅडलिंग कार्य की प्रगति की समीक्षा बैठक
•

गोरखपुर। रेलवे स्टेशन पर 26 सितंबर से होने वाले यार्ड रिमॉडलिंग कार्य के तैयारियों की प्रगति की समीक्षा पूर्वोत्तर रेलवे के महाप्रबंधक के.के अटल की अध्यक्षता में हुई। महाप्रबंधक ने अधिकारियों से यात्री सुविधाओं एवं तकनीकी पक्षों पर चर्चा की और निर्देश दिया कि यात्रियों को ट्रेन के संचालन संबंधी सूचना स्टेशनों से दी जानी चाहिए।
बैठक में निर्णय लिया गया कि गोरखपुर कैंट, नकहा, सहजनवां व अन्य स्टेशनों पर ट्रेनें टर्मिनेट की जाएंगी, यात्रियों के लिए सवारी वाहन का प्रबंध किया जाएगा। परिवहन निगम, प्राइवेट बसें व अन्य सवारी वाहनों का प्रबंध किया जाए। गोरखपुर जं. पर एक विशेष यात्री हेल्पलाइन बूथ की व्यवस्था की जाएगी।
कब पहुंचेंगी ट्रेनें, कोई ठिकाना नहीं
टिकट पर नहीं दी जा रही
रूट डायवर्जन की जानकारी
•

गोरखपुर। रेल टिकट पर छपे ट्रेन के चलने और पहुंचने के समय के चक्कर में पड़े तो मुश्किल में पड़ सकते हैं। 26 सितंबर से छह अक्टूबर के बीच यार्ड रिमाडलिंग के चलते कुछ ट्रेनों का रूट डाइवर्जन किया गया है। लेकिन आरक्षित टिकट पर शेडयूल में कोई बदलाव नहीं हुआ है। ये ट्रेनें अपने अंतिम स्टेशन पर कब पहुुंचेगी इसका कोई ठिकाना नहीं है। दूरी बढ़ने और ट्रैफिक लोड बढ़ने के आधार पर इन ट्रेेनों के तीन से चार घंटे या इससे अधिक लेट से पहुंचने की उम्मीद जताई जा रही है। जाहिर है कि टिकट के शेड्यूल के आधार पर अपना शेड्यूल बनाने वाले यात्रियों को मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है।
हालांकि राहत की बात यह है कि वीआईपी ट्रेनों, मसलन वैशाली, गोरखधाम, सप्तक्रांति, कुशीनगर एक्सप्रेस के संचालन में कोई खास बदलाव नहीं हुआ है। पांच अक्टूबर को गोरखधाम एक्सप्रेस को गोरखपुर की जगह डोमिनगढ़ पर ही रोक दिया जाएगा और सप्तक्रांति एक्सप्रेस को इसी दिन भटनी, वाराणसी, सुल्तानपुर, लखनऊ होकर भेजा जाएगा।

दिल्ली जाने वाली ट्रेनें समय से चलेंगी
वैशाली, गोरखधाम, सप्तक्रांति सुपरफास्ट एक्सप्रेस समय से चलेंगी और अंतिम स्टेशन पर समय से पहुंचेगी। यार्ड रिमाडलिंग कार्य का असर इन ट्रेनों के संचालन पर नहीं पड़ेगा। इसमें वैशाली सुपरफास्ट एक्सप्रेस रोजना गोरखपुर स्टेशन से ही चलेगी। जबकि पांच अक्टूबर को गोरखधाम एक्सप्रेस डोमिनगढ़ स्टेशन तक ही आएगी। इसी तरह पांच अक्टूबर को ही सप्तक्रांति एक्सप्रेस को रूट बदलकर भटनी, वाराणसी, सुल्तानपुर, लखनऊ के रास्ते भेजी जाएगी।
मार्ग परिवर्तित होने वाली प्रमुख ट्रेनें
अमृतसर कटिहार एक्सप्रेस, अवध असम एक्सप्रेस, बिहार संपर्क क्रांति, सप्तक्रांति एक्सप्रेस, पोरबंदर मुजफ्फरपुर एक्सप्रेस, एर्नाकूलम बरौनी एक्सप्रेस, लालगढ़ गुवाहाटी अवध असम एक्सप्रेस।

दो दिन बाकी, रोडवेज-रेलवे में नहीं बनी बात
गोरखपुर। रेलवे स्टेशन पर यार्ड रिमॉडलिंग का कार्य 26 सितंबर से शुरू हो जाएगा। जिन स्टेशनों से ट्रेनों को टर्मिनेट किया जाएगा वहां बसें लगाने को लेकर रोडवेज और रेलवे प्रशासन के बीच बात नहीं बन पाई है। रेलवे ने रोडवेज को एक लिस्ट मुहैया कराई है लेकिन रोडवेज ने अतिरिक्त बसें लगाने से मना कर दिया है। मुश्किल यह है कि यार्ड रिमॉडलिंग के दौरान 19 एक्सप्रेस और 38 पैसेंजर ट्रेनें डोमिनगढ़, नकहा और कैंट स्टेशनों पर ही रोक दी जाएंगी। उधर,
रोडवेज के क्षेत्रीय प्रबंधक अतुल जैन ने बताया कि जिस रूट पर उनकी बसें चलती हैं, वहां अतिरिक्त बसें नहीं लगेंगी। इस समय ऑफ सीजन है और बसें खाली आ रही हैं लिहाजा जितनी बसें चल रही हैं उससे काम चल जाएगा। कैंट स्टेशन और डोमिनगढ़ स्टेशन पर बसें नहीं लगाई जाएगी। ये शहरी क्षेत्र में आते हैं यहां प्रशासन छोटी गाड़ियों की व्यवस्था करे।

NAGPUR: With Indian Railways running into losses to the tune of Rs 26,000 crore, minister of state for railways (MoSR) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday although did not give any concrete assurance on fulfilling host of demands, his commitment to set up third line between Nagpur and Wardha was the only silver lining.

"The third line will not be discarded at the cost of Nagpur-Nagbhid broad gauge proposal," Chowdhury made it clear.

Chowdhury, accompanied by his family, was on a maiden visit to Nagpur at the behest of Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar. He briefly visited Ajni colony and station, besides Motibgah workshop and diesel loco shed and Nagpur station. He also took some time out to visit state EGS minister Nitin Raut's residence in North Nagpur.

Amid divergent views, Muttemwar wants Ajni station to be developed as world class instead of Nagpur. He is also pushing for an Railyway over Bridge (Rob) over Ajni station on a cost-sharing basis between Centre and the state.

"As the existing Rob is over 125-year-old, a new one estimated to cost Rs36 crore will come through on 50:50 cost sharing basis," said Muttemwar.

The seven-time Congress MP wanted Nagpur to be upgraded as a zone and Motibagh Diesel Loco Shed and workshop be upgraded to broad gauge in the advent of narrow gauge being phased out.

He also complained that Vidarbha continues to be neglected when it comes to upgrading railway network and infrastructure.

Chowdhury, an MP from West Bengal, did not agree with Muttemwar and recalled Bengal-Nagpur's 126-year-old association when Bengal-Nagpur Railway (BNR) was formed in 1887.

"Nagpur is state's third largest city and looking into its genuine demands I agree that small hammers should be replaced with big ones. Diesel locos should go as it is we have to import 80% of the diesel. Of the Rs23,000 crore railways fuel bill, Rs15,000 crore go towards diesel," said Chowdhury. More focus is now on electrification, he added.

"With more demand and scarce resources, I sometimes feel like a BPL mantri," Chowdhury said in lighter vein.

"Hence, I cannot fulfil people's all the expectations, but at the same time I promise that Vidarbha will not be neglected," he said.

On precarious finances, the minister said there are two railway divisions here. To earn Rs100, railways spend Rs158. "The operating ratio here is 158% which otherwise should be 80%. We will try to bring it down," he said.

This was the second time Muttemwar invited an MoSR to the city to review development. A similar visit of ex-MoSR KH Muniappa was initiated by him two years ago, but promises remained unfulfilled.

In the evening, while addressing a gathering of traders at Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), Chowdhury reiterated that railways was passing through a tough time as projects worth Rs4.50 lakh crore were already in progress.

"Yet, I will talk to Railway Board officials on all the genuine demands raised here," he said.

Although the visit seem to generate some electioneering mood ahead of Lok Sabha polls, at the end of the day sans any major announcements it looked as if - "he came, he saw and he went away."

However, Muttemwar was optimistic. "Chowdhury at least could understand our genuine demands. The Rs36 crore Ajni ROB proposal was agreed in-principle. Besides, upgradation of Motibagh workshop from narrow gauge to broad gauge will also come through," said Muttemwar.

"With more demand and scarce resources, I sometimes feel like a BPL mantri," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, minister of state for railways, said.

Chowdhury at least could understand our genuine demands. The Rs 36 crore Ajni ROB proposal was agreed in-principle

What the minister touched upon

Third Line: The Rs 300 crore project will not be shelved, even as there were two different opinions of officials. Unanimous decision will be taken in the project's favour.

Motibagh Workshop & Diesel shed: Minister said workshop needs to converted into broad gauge with narrow gauge on the way out. Diesel locos should go. Will consider the demand of mass transfers of loco shed staff to Nainpur and elsewhere

Itwari-Kalamna doubling: 75% work has been completed and remaining will be taken up soon. The Rs23-crore project has been stalled for five years due to vote bank politics.

Quarters at Motibagh & Ajni: Muttemwar says all the quarters are 80-year-old and have outlived. These needs to be rebuilt by newly set up Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA). Minister says the demand may be considered

Fare hike: Chowdhury says now Rail Tariff Regulatory Authority (RTRA) will largely delink passenger fares from political process. Populism practised by successive rail ministers has left the railways in the lurch.

Vacant posts: All the posts of GMs will be filled up soon. Besides, there are 1.49 lakh posts vacant across Indian Railways. It is an ongoing process which is continuing.

Security System: Nagpur already has a security system. Petty crimes are taken care of by GRP and RPF.

Train Stoppage: Minister agrees to Wardha MP Datta Meghe's demand to give stoppage to trains at Chandur Railway on Narkhed-Amravati railway line.

What he ignored

Nagpur-Delhi Duronto: The announcement was made by ex-railway minister Mamata Banerjee on demand by Muttemwar 3 years ago. Chowdhury says Nagpur will not get the train immediately as already some trains have been given.

Nagpur Zone: In view of decentralization policy, Muttemwar demanded Nagpur to be upgraded as a zone due to its strategic location and revenue generation potential. Minister was not so forthcoming on the issue.

Ajni World Class: Muttemwar wants Ajni to be added to the list of 5 stations to be taken to develop as world class. Chowdhury didn't look keen.

Rly Medical College & Laundry: Both the projects were announced by Mamata Banerjee. Except for survey, nothing has been done. The minister did not touch the issues.

Caption: Minister of state for railways Adhir Ranjan Choudhury and Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar wave after inaugurating the new retiring room at Ajni railway station on Monday.

The President of Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce Dipen Agrawal today submitted a memorandum of demands to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Minister of State for Railways and also apprised him of various problems faced by Nagpur and Vidarbha citizens and traders. He also put forward some suggestions to the Minister.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Minister of State for Railways and Vilasrao Muttemwar, MP, Nagpur paid a visit to Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce today at 3.30.p.m. in the meeting hall of the Chamber.

At the outset Shri Dipen Agrawal, President, NVCC welcomed the guests. Hemant Gandhi, Secretary of the Chamber introduced the chief guest Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Vilasrao Muttemwar.

Photo (5)Dipen Agrawal, President presented a shawl, shreephal and memento to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Vilasrao Muttemwar, and Dr. (Mrs) Chowdhury. MLA Dinanath Padole and top officials of Central and South East Central Railway were also felicitated by the Chamber.

The Nagpur MP Vilasrao Muttemvar, while addressing the members also briefed the problems of Railway travellers of Vidarbha Region and informed the Minister that once upon a time Nagpur was the Capital of Madhya Pradesh but after re-organization of the States Nagpur and Vidarbha region were merged with Maharashtra State in the year 1960. Thereafter the development of Vidarbha is lagging behind. He also requested the Minister to give special attention in the matter of Railway facilities and constitute a separate Railway Zone for Vidarbha Region.

The Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while addressing the traders, said that the suggestions and problems put forth before him are genuine and would be considered satisfactorily. In regard to formation of Railway Zone for Vidarbha, the demand would be looked into seriously and a decision in this regard would be taken at an appropriate time. He assured that Vilasrao Muttemwar and prominent office-bearers of Chamber would be welcomed in New Delhi and suggestions would be discussed with the officers.

Prominent Railway officials present on the occasion include Sunil V. Arya, G.M SEC Railway, B.K. Joshi, COM SEC Railway, Sharad Ingle, AGM, Central Railway, Prakashrao Wazalwar, CCM SEC Railway, Brujesh Dixit, DRM C. R., S. L. Varma, DRM SECR, R.K. Agrawal, DGM, SECR, Amlan Turkey, Secretary and Predeepkumr, Sr. DCM SECR., Dr. Suman Deolkar, Sr. DCMCR., Ramesh Jaiswal, Jt. MD. Neco Group, Govindlal Sarda, Prafulbhai Doshi, Radheshyam Sarda, Past Presidents NVCC. Mayur Panchmatia, Ajaykumar Madan, Sachin Puniyani, Chunibhai Shah, Arjundas Ahuja, Abhishek Jha, Bharatbhai S. Thakkar, Farooquebhai Akbani, Gajanand Gupta, Govind Mantri, Natwar Patel, Prabhakar Deshmukh, Pratap Motwani, Rajubhai Makhija, Rajeshkumar Ohri, Satish Bang, Shabbar Shakir, Sanjayraj Modh Saraf, Santosh Kabra, Suryakant Agrawal, Umesh Patel, Vijay Kewalramani, Hastimal Katariya, Sanjay K. Agrawal, Shankar Sugandh, Arvind Kotecha, Ranjan Agrawal, Dilipbhai Thakral, Assandas Balwani, Syed Nawab Ali, Rajesh Amte, Amjad Hussain, M. Aslam Khan, Dharamvir Sharma, Gajanand Mahajan, Lalchand Gupta, Prakash Jais, Nishikant Padmawar, Pankaj Padia, Vijay Chandak, Bashkar D. Ambade, Rajesh P. Shah, Subhash Agrawal, Yogendrakumar Agrawal, S. H. Agrawal,

Hemant Gandhi, Secretary, conducted the programme and Pratap Motwani, Convener Railway Sub Committee, NVCC proposed vote of thanks, said a press note issued by Hemant Gandhi, Secretary of the Chamber.

NAGPUR: With Indian Railways running into losses to the tune of Rs 26,000 crore, minister of state for railways (MoSR) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday although did not give any concrete assurance on fulfilling host of demands, his commitment to set up third line between Nagpur and Wardha was the only silver lining.

"The third line will not be discarded at the cost of Nagpur-Nagbhid broad gauge proposal," Chowdhury made it clear.

Chowdhury, accompanied by his family, was on a maiden visit to Nagpur at the behest of Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar. He briefly visited Ajni colony and station, besides Motibgah workshop and diesel loco shed and Nagpur station. He also took some time out to visit state EGS minister Nitin Raut's residence in North Nagpur.

Amid divergent views, Muttemwar wants Ajni station to be developed as world class instead of Nagpur. He is also pushing for an Railyway over Bridge (Rob) over Ajni station on a cost-sharing basis between Centre and the state.

"As the existing Rob is over 125-year-old, a new one estimated to cost Rs36 crore will come through on 50:50 cost sharing basis," said Muttemwar.

The seven-time Congress MP wanted Nagpur to be upgraded as a zone and Motibagh Diesel Loco Shed and workshop be upgraded to broad gauge in the advent of narrow gauge being phased out.

He also complained that Vidarbha continues to be neglected when it comes to upgrading railway network and infrastructure.

Chowdhury, an MP from West Bengal, did not agree with Muttemwar and recalled Bengal-Nagpur's 126-year-old association when Bengal-Nagpur Railway (BNR) was formed in 1887.

"Nagpur is state's third largest city and looking into its genuine demands I agree that small hammers should be replaced with big ones. Diesel locos should go as it is we have to import 80% of the diesel. Of the Rs23,000 crore railways fuel bill, Rs15,000 crore go towards diesel," said Chowdhury. More focus is now on electrification, he added.

"With more demand and scarce resources, I sometimes feel like a BPL mantri," Chowdhury said in lighter vein.

"Hence, I cannot fulfil people's all the expectations, but at the same time I promise that Vidarbha will not be neglected," he said.

On precarious finances, the minister said there are two railway divisions here. To earn Rs100, railways spend Rs158. "The operating ratio here is 158% which otherwise should be 80%. We will try to bring it down," he said.

This was the second time Muttemwar invited an MoSR to the city to review development. A similar visit of ex-MoSR KH Muniappa was initiated by him two years ago, but promises remained unfulfilled.

In the evening, while addressing a gathering of traders at Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), Chowdhury reiterated that railways was passing through a tough time as projects worth Rs4.50 lakh crore were already in progress.

"Yet, I will talk to Railway Board officials on all the genuine demands raised here," he said.

Although the visit seem to generate some electioneering mood ahead of Lok Sabha polls, at the end of the day sans any major announcements it looked as if - "he came, he saw and he went away."

However, Muttemwar was optimistic. "Chowdhury at least could understand our genuine demands. The Rs36 crore Ajni ROB proposal was agreed in-principle. Besides, upgradation of Motibagh workshop from narrow gauge to broad gauge will also come through," said Muttemwar.

"With more demand and scarce resources, I sometimes feel like a BPL mantri," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, minister of state for railways, said.

Chowdhury at least could understand our genuine demands. The Rs 36 crore Ajni ROB proposal was agreed in-principle

What the minister touched upon

Third Line: The Rs 300 crore project will not be shelved, even as there were two different opinions of officials. Unanimous decision will be taken in the project's favour.

Motibagh Workshop & Diesel shed: Minister said workshop needs to converted into broad gauge with narrow gauge on the way out. Diesel locos should go. Will consider the demand of mass transfers of loco shed staff to Nainpur and elsewhere

Itwari-Kalamna doubling: 75% work has been completed and remaining will be taken up soon. The Rs23-crore project has been stalled for five years due to vote bank politics.

Quarters at Motibagh & Ajni: Muttemwar says all the quarters are 80-year-old and have outlived. These needs to be rebuilt by newly set up Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA). Minister says the demand may be considered

Fare hike: Chowdhury says now Rail Tariff Regulatory Authority (RTRA) will largely delink passenger fares from political process. Populism practised by successive rail ministers has left the railways in the lurch.

Vacant posts: All the posts of GMs will be filled up soon. Besides, there are 1.49 lakh posts vacant across Indian Railways. It is an ongoing process which is continuing.

Security System: Nagpur already has a security system. Petty crimes are taken care of by GRP and RPF.

Train Stoppage: Minister agrees to Wardha MP Datta Meghe's demand to give stoppage to trains at Chandur Railway on Narkhed-Amravati railway line.

What he ignored

Nagpur-Delhi Duronto: The announcement was made by ex-railway minister Mamata Banerjee on demand by Muttemwar 3 years ago. Chowdhury says Nagpur will not get the train immediately as already some trains have been given.

Nagpur Zone: In view of decentralization policy, Muttemwar demanded Nagpur to be upgraded as a zone due to its strategic location and revenue generation potential. Minister was not so forthcoming on the issue.

Ajni World Class: Muttemwar wants Ajni to be added to the list of 5 stations to be taken to develop as world class. Chowdhury didn't look keen.

Rly Medical College & Laundry: Both the projects were announced by Mamata Banerjee. Except for survey, nothing has been done. The minister did not touch the issues.

Caption: Minister of state for railways Adhir Ranjan Choudhury and Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar wave after inaugurating the new retiring room at Ajni railway station on Monday.

MUMBAI: Western Railway has decided to provide stoppages to five pair of trains at Valsad, Vapil and Bhilad for the convenience of passengers. These stoppages have been given on experimental basis for a period of six months

A WR public relations officer said, "Bandra (T)-Ajmer/ Udaipur Express will arrive from Bandra to Valsad at 7.24 pm and on its return journey to Mumbai, the train will arrive at this destination at 11.11 am from Oct 2."

Another train, Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Double Decker Express, has also been provided stoppage at Valsad station from Oct 2. The train will arrive from Mumbai to Valsad station at 4.54 pm. Similarly, in the return direction, the train will reach Valsad station at 10.16 am.

Also, Porbandar Express has been provided stoppage at Bhilad station. It will arrive from Mumbai Central to Bhilad at 11.34 am. On its return journey to Mumbai, the train will reach Bhilad at 3.17 pm from October 2.

Likewise, Veraval-Trivandrum Weekly Express and Gandhidham- Nagarcoil Weekly Express has been provided stoppage at Vapi station. Veraval - Trivandrum Express and Gandhidham- Nagarcoil Express will arrive Vapi station at 5.12 pm. On its return journey, Trivandrum - Veraval Express and Nagarcoil - Gandhidham Express will reach Vapi station at 12.58 am from Oct 3 and 4, respectively.