Pune: MP and MoS civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Wednesday told Central Railway officials to strengthen security at Pune railway station and act strictly against encroachers of railway land, along with fast-tracking development works in the division.He was speaking during a meeting where members of parliament (MPs) of Pune and Solapur discussed issues with the general manager of Central Railway, Rajeev Shrivastava, on Wednesday.“Six additional platforms should be planned by keeping future passenger growth, safety and convenience in mind to avoid repeated modifications. Security remains important, and all unauthorised entry and exit points leading to Pune railway station and the yard should be immediately closed,” Mohol said.“Even security of perimeter walls must be upgraded, and more ticket collectors and RPF personnel must be deployed round the clock at station entrances,” he said.Mohol sought permanent solutions, not temporary repairs, for monsoon-related waterlogging and leakages at the station. He directed officials to prevent rainwater from reaching the parcel office and damaging consignments.“Announcement of platform numbers should happen at least 30 minutes before a train departs. There have been complaints regarding cleanliness at the station, especially toilets, which need to be addressed. There is also the need to improve the quality of food and water meant for passengers in premises,” he underlined.“Repeated violations by catering contractors should invite strict action, including suspension or termination of contracts. Similar action should be taken against overcharging at parking lots, food stalls and parcel services,” he said.On protecting railway land, he said, prime railway properties in Deccan Gymkhana and Shankarsheth Road should be developed to generate revenue, but encroachments on railway-owner plots must be removed.“Deccan Queen Express should be restored to platform number 1 at Pune station. There have been complaints about autorickshaws and cab drivers hassling passengers at Pune and Hadapsar stations. Also, platform number 2 of Hadapsar lacks basic amenities. The railway officials should coordinate with RTO and police to control and manage the issues,” the Pune MP said.Kothrud MP Medha Kulkarni demanded restoration of Pune-Nashik train services and full restoration of Pune-Lonavla local train services. She called for far more effective use of Hadapsar station to alleviate congestion at Pune station. She proposed the introduction of new train services connecting to Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and the Konkan region.Kulkarni demanded a regular halt for the Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat Express at Karad and to launch new Vande Bharat Express services on the Pune-Vadodara and Pune-Indore routes.
