Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Rajkumar Mangla visited Baleswar on Thursday to review various upgradation and development works. He told reporters that the amenities available in the railway stations are as per the category and most of the stations belong to the E and F categories because of their lesser earnings.
He observed that while Baleswar, Jaleswar, Baripada and Soro stations have been upgraded under the Adarsh station grade, Basta has been brought under the provision of facility of Adarsh station. Urgent requirements such as repairing of toilets, urinals, water vats, station building, foot over-bridge (FOB), platform surface, platform shed, etc., would be completed within three months.
Minor works would be done within six months. The major works already sanctioned like roads, track renewals, shed over FOB will be taken up within a year while the additional FOB in Baleswar station would be completed by December this year, Mangla said.
Proposals of raising platform heights, improvement of platform surfaces, provision of boundary wall and platform shelters involving high expenditure would be sent to headquarters for sanction. Mangla further said the heightening of the Haldipada platform and FOB in Rupsa would be completed soon.
During last rail picketing, a loss of around Rs 2 crore was incurred “So, refrain from such activities,” Mangla, appealed to people. Mangla also held discussions with local MP RK Jena, who had taken initiative for his visit. Baleswar Collector Sanatan Mallick and SP Niti Sekhar were also present at the Press meet.