In a significant review of ongoing modernization efforts, the General Manager of South Eastern Railways, Anil Kumar Mishra, conducted a detailed inspection of the Bokaro railway station on Friday. The inspection focused on infrastructure works being carried out under the central government's ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Key Announcements and Passenger-Centric Focus
Addressing a major concern raised by commuters, Mishra made a crucial announcement. He assured that a dedicated vehicle drop-off zone will soon be constructed on the station premises. This facility, currently absent, is expected to significantly ease passenger movement and reduce congestion at the station entrance.
During his visit, the senior railway official undertook an extensive tour of critical operational areas. His inspection covered the out yard, empty yard, goods shed, electric shed, and the locomotive sheds. Accompanied by senior officials from the Adra railway division, Mishra issued several on-the-spot directions to ensure the projects meet their targets and quality standards. He also inspected the nearby Bhojudih railway station as part of his tour.
Transformative Upgrades Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Highlighting Bokaro's importance as a dual passenger and freight hub, Mishra outlined the comprehensive upgrades in the pipeline. The station is set for a major facelift with several passenger amenities and capacity enhancement projects.
The development plan includes:
- Construction of a new foot overbridge (FOB) for safer passenger crossing.
- Installation of escalators for improved accessibility.
- Development of new retiring rooms for passenger comfort.
- A modern, upgraded station façade to enhance aesthetics.
In a critical infrastructure push, a new pair of railway lines is being laid between the north cabin and Bokaro railway station. This expansion is strategically important as it will allow for the commissioning of two additional platforms, thereby increasing the station's capacity to handle more trains.
Current Constraints and Future Vision
While the future looks bright for infrastructure, Mishra addressed a common public demand with a note of realism. He clarified that, due to existing space constraints at the station, there is no immediate proposal to introduce new train services originating from Bokaro. The focus, for now, remains on upgrading the existing infrastructure to support smoother operations.
The inspection and subsequent announcements underscore the Railways' commitment to transforming Bokaro into a modern, user-friendly transit point under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. The promise of a drop-off zone directly addresses a daily inconvenience faced by thousands of passengers, marking a step towards more thoughtful station design.
