Bhopal parliamentarian Alok Sharma on Tuesday visited the Nishatpura Railway Station to take stock of preparations ahead of its opening, which will make it the fourth fully functional railway station in the state capital.
Sharma inspected the station's under-construction facilities, including newly built platforms, a foot overbridge, lifts, ramps, and waiting rooms. He expressed concerns about access to the station, as he had difficulty locating it upon arrival.
During his visit, Sharma instructed railway officials to clear the Central Warehouse godown near the station entrance to ensure smoother access for passengers. The MP highlighted the need for improved entry and exit points to avoid congestion.
Two major trains, the Malwa Express and the Somnath Veraval Express, will be the first to halt at Nishatpura station. The MP emphasised that this would help ease overcrowding at Bhopal and RKMP stations. He also raised the issue of parking facilities and station beautification. He plans to meet Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav soon to finalise an official launch date for the station.
Railway sources say the station could become operational by the end of February.
During the inspection, Sharma also discussed with Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh the urgent removal of the warehouse. This step is necessary for creating proper entry and exit gates to the station. Bhopal currently has three fully operational railway stations, namely Bhopal Junction, the Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, and the Bairagarh Railway Station.