Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Saturday expressed displeasure over the absence of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Ambala division at a meeting called to review the development works in the Ambala Cantonment. He reprimanded another senior officer of the railway division who attended the meeting in place of the DRM.
Vij had called the meeting with officers from 17 departments, as he was unhappy with the slow pace of development works in the Ambala Cantonment area. The meeting was held in the afternoon at the PWD Rest House in Ambala Cantonment. Vij expressed his displeasure when he found that the DRM was absent. The Senior Divisional Commercial Manager attended the meeting in the DRM’s place.
DRM Vinod Bhatia said that he had received the message for the meeting on Friday evening and was instructed to send a representative from his department. He added that had he been called directly, he would have certainly attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Vij sought feedback from all the departments and directed them to expedite the ongoing development works.
In the meeting, Vij said that Ambala Cantonment Railway Station will be developed like an airport and redesigned in phases with a budget of Rs 300 crores. He directed railway officers to ensure maximum facilities for passengers and shared his suggestions for modernizing the station.
On the occasion, Vij assessed ongoing works, discussed departmental progress, and expressed displeasure over project delays, instructing officials to complete them promptly.
Railway officers briefed Vij on the Rs 300 crore modernization plan, with Rs 100 crore allocated for the first phase, aiming for a redesign by 2060. The plan includes expanding platforms, increasing lifts, improving parking and enhancing entry/exit points.
