Expect trains at right time by week-end

After facing the heat from passengers due to delayed train schedule, the railways is gearing up to place its house in order. By the week-end, passengers can expect to catch a train in time.

During the last fortnight, passengers have been the worst sufferers as trains passing through Nagpur in all the directions had been running 15 to 20 hours late due to the worst foggy conditions in Northern Railway, North Central Railway, West Central Railway, East Central Railway and North Eastern Railway.

However, during the last four days, the delay has been brought to 5 to 10 hours. "By the week end, the trains are expected to be on right time, provided the weather is fine," said Y K Singh, public relations officer (PRO), Nagpur Central Railway.

The railway zones have successfully run 165 trains on schedule. This was possible using effective rake management and speedy maintenance of rakes. The standby rakes for the late running trains were made readily available for return journey.

Singh told TOI that to guide the passengers, officers and supervisory staff have been deployed at the railway stations and divisional railway manager (DRM) D K Sharma, along with senior officers, is continuously visiting the stations and assessing the efficacy of arrangements.

There is increase in footplate inspection. Senior officers along with supervisors are travelling in engines over various sections to ensure that all precautions are being taken for safety of trains and passengers.

"The main thrust is on punctuality of trains. In one month, three teams have conducted 90 inspections. The number of inspections is high as compared to around 60 otherwise," said Singh.

"A number of measures at the originating stations has helped bring down the delay of trains from 22 hours last week to 10-12 hours now. By week-end, passengers are expected to board trains at right time," Singh said.

Sources said that the delay of trains is being taken up seriously. Training, counselling of drivers and reiteration of precautionary measures to be taken during fog have been completed.

Posters displaying precautions to be taken by the crew during fog have also been put on place in the driver's lobby and driver's duty room and in the chambers of ASMs so that they are constantly reminded of the instructions.