Discussion focuses on public concerns, railway development

and passenger amenities

MPs appreciate development initiatives undertaken by Jhansi Division

Prayagraj, 11 Sept (HS): Indian Railways, the lifeline of

the nation, continues to play an important role in the country’s socio-economic

development. As an important constituent of Indian Railways, North Central

Railway is continuously undertaking initiatives to strengthen rail

infrastructure, improve passenger amenities and ensure safe and efficient train

operations.

In this regard, a high-level meeting of the General Manager,

North Central Railway, with the Members of Parliament representing the Jhansi

Division and their representatives was held today at the auditorium of Orchha

Palace & Convention Centre, Hotel Orchha, Orchha. The meeting was chaired

by Member of Parliament from Jhansi-Lalitpur, Anurag Sharma.

The meeting was organised to apprise the Members of Parliament

of the recent achievements of Jhansi Division, review ongoing infrastructure

and development works, and seek their valuable suggestions for further

improving railway services and development plans in their respective

constituencies.

Addressing the gathering, Naresh Pal Singh, General Manager,

North Central Railway highlighted the major initiatives being undertaken by the

Railways. He stated that special emphasis is being laid on increasing line

capacity, improving and upgrading passenger amenities, ensuring safe train

operations, employee welfare and undertaking green initiatives for

environmental conservation. Significant efforts are also being made to

strengthen and expand railway infrastructure.

The General Manager said that in recent years, railway

projects have gained momentum with the availability of adequate funds and

enhanced monitoring at various levels. This has helped accelerate the execution

and completion of long-pending projects. He also highlighted the increasing use

of innovation and modern technology in railway operations. He informed that

complaints received through the AI-enabled RailMadad platform and 139 helpline

are being addressed promptly to improve passenger satisfaction and service

delivery.

GM said that Jhansi Division plays an important role in

connecting significant parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh with various

parts of the country. Highlighting the division’s performance, he informed that

during the financial year 2025-26, the division recorded approximately 4.58 crore

originating passengers, generating Rs 1,016 crore in passenger revenue, while

freight loading contributed approximately Rs 947.15 crore in revenue.

Keeping public demand and passenger requirements in view, 14

pairs of trains have been provided 14 new stoppages at 10 different stations

since 2025-26. In addition, 648 special train trips, including Mela, Summer,

Festival and Examination Specials, were operated, along with 14 pairs of

special trains. Two pairs of new trains, including a Vande Bharat service, were

also introduced. Further, four pairs of MEMU trains were upgraded from 8-car to

12-car formations, increasing passenger carrying capacity.

Speaking about station redevelopment, the General Manager

informed that three major stations of Jhansi Division - Virangana Lakshmibai

Jhansi Junction, Gwalior Junction and Khajuraho - are being developed under the

station redevelopment plan. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 16 stations

of Jhansi Division have been included, out of which work at six stations has

already been completed, while work at the remaining stations is progressing and

is expected to be completed shortly.

Highlighting infrastructure development, GM informed that 93

km of new railway line has been laid in Jhansi Division. Further, an Electronic

Interlocking-based Automatic Signalling System has been successfully

commissioned over 157.67 km covering 20 block sections. He also informed that the Kavach system has been

successfully commissioned over 68.5 km, further strengthening the safety and

reliability of train operations.

The General Manager assured the Members of Parliament that

all suggestions received during the meeting would be examined seriously and

efforts would be made to incorporate feasible suggestions into railway

development plans and passenger amenity initiatives at the divisional level.

Suggestions falling outside the jurisdiction of the division would be forwarded

to the Railway Board or concerned railway zones for further consideration. Following the General Manager’s address, Senior Divisional

Commercial Manager, Jhansi, Aman Verma, made a detailed PowerPoint

presentation on the development works and initiatives being undertaken in

Jhansi Division.

During the subsequent interaction, Hon’ble Members of

Parliament and their representatives put forward various suggestions and

demands concerning public interest and railway development. Key issues included

introduction of new train services, increase in train frequency and stoppages,

redevelopment of major stations, expansion of passenger amenities, enhancement

of rail infrastructure and network capacity, safety and crowd management,

station premises management, and improvement and maintenance of basic passenger

facilities.

Chairing the meeting , Anurag Sharma, MP, Jhansi-Lalitpur

appreciated the development initiatives being undertaken by Jhansi Division and

Indian Railways. The MP suggested ensuring the optimal utilization of railway

land and expediting the completion of the Lalitpur station development project.

He also recommended providing a stoppage for the 'Bundelkhand' train at

Baruasagar station and fast-tracking the work on level crossings (LC) 367, 369,

and 341. Furthermore, he proposed extending the Lucknow Intercity service to

Lalitpur and connecting a new rail line to BIDA (Bundelkhand Industrial

Development Authority). Additionally, the Honorable MP offered valuable

suggestions regarding the introduction of a Bhopal-Lucknow Sleeper Vande Bharat

Express and the operation of a 'Bundelkhand Circuit' train dedicated to

tourism.

Sandhya Rai, MP, Bhind-Datia suggested provision of a

stoppage of Utkal Express at Basai station and introduction of a new rail

service connecting Bhind with the National Capital.

Narayan Das Ahirwar, MP, Jalaun suggested a new train

service connecting Orai with New Delhi, as well as a direct rail connection

between Konch and Kanpur. MP from Morena, Shivmangal Singh Tomar, suggested

stoppage of trains including Goa Express and Gatimaan Express at Morena

station. He also sought early completion of the gauge conversion work on the

Gwalior–Sheopur Kalan section, followed by commencement of train operations.

MP from Banda, Krishna Devi Shivshankar Patel, suggested

development of Atarra station and introduction of a new train connecting

Chitrakoot Dham Karwi with Rameswaram. Rajya Sabha MP Mahesh Kevat suggested operation of Gatimaan

Express and Taj Express services from Orchha station. MPs and representatives

from Tikamgarh, Khajuraho, Gwalior, Mahoba and Sagar, along with

representatives of other Rajya Sabha

Members, also placed their valuable suggestions before the railway

administration.

The railway administration assured the Members that all

suggestions would be examined with due seriousness and appropriate action would

be taken as per feasibility, jurisdiction and applicable procedures. The

meeting was conducted by Deputy General Manager/General, North Central Railway,

Atul Mishra. Divisional Railway Manager, Jhansi, Anirudh Kumar, all Principal

Heads of Departments of North Central Railway Headquarters, branch officers of

Jhansi Division and other senior railway officials were present on the

occasion. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Divisional

Railway Manager, Jhansi, Anirudh Kumar.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi