Gaya Railway Station's Mega Block Postponed, Awaiting Official Clearance
The much-anticipated "mega block" at Gaya railway station, which was initially scheduled to commence on January 27, has been officially deferred. This significant operational suspension, planned for platforms 2 and 3, is a crucial component of the ongoing station redevelopment project aimed at transforming Gaya into a world-class transportation hub.
Project Details and Revised Timeline
The block is tentatively planned to last for 45 days, during which operations at platforms 2 and 3 will be completely suspended to facilitate construction activities. Station superintendent Vinod Kumar confirmed that the revised schedule is still pending, as the go-ahead from East Central Railway (ECR) authorities has not yet been received. Kumar emphasized that concerned officials are in regular communication with ECR and expressed optimism that the block would commence soon once clearance is granted.
The entire redevelopment project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 300 crore. Upon completion, Gaya railway station is expected to boast an airport-like appearance with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. These enhancements are specifically designed to cater to all categories of travelers, with particular attention to elderly and physically challenged passengers. Additionally, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of the signaling system to ensure safer and more secure train operations.
Operational Impact and Passenger Inconvenience
Platforms 2 and 3 are considered crucial for train operations at Gaya station, as almost all long-distance down trains operate from these platforms. Notably, the Gaya-Anand Vihar Mahabodhi Express also predominantly originates from these platforms. Once the mega block begins, trains that typically use platforms 2 and 3 will be diverted to platforms 6 and 7.
However, this diversion is likely to increase pressure on platforms 6 and 7, which largely cater to passengers traveling on the Patna-Gaya section. According to frequent traveler Syed Shad Alam, passengers using the eastern side entrance are expected to face significant inconvenience, as platforms 2 and 3 are more easily accessible from that side. Alam pointed out that most passengers from the main town prefer the eastern entrance, making the diversion particularly disruptive.
Accessibility Challenges and Proposed Solutions
In contrast, platforms 6 and 7 offer better accessibility from the newly constructed western entrance, popularly known as the Delha side. Despite this advantage, main town rail users may encounter additional traffic congestion if they opt for the Delha entrance. Accessibility to this side has been further restricted as level crossing number 1 has now been prohibited for road users.
Addressing this issue, Kaushalendra Pratap, a member of the East Central Zone rail users consultative committee, has demanded the early construction of a road overbridge at level crossing number 1. This infrastructure improvement is seen as essential to make the Delha entrance more easily accessible for passengers, thereby mitigating some of the inconvenience caused by the mega block.
The deferment of the mega block highlights the complex logistics involved in modernizing a key railway station like Gaya. While the project promises significant long-term benefits, including enhanced safety and passenger comfort, the temporary disruptions underscore the need for careful planning and effective communication with stakeholders to minimize inconvenience during the transition period.
