Responding swiftly to severe overcrowding and passenger distress, the Waltair Division of Indian Railways has announced immediate measures to augment capacity on the busy Visakhapatnam–Kirandul route. The action follows a chaotic scene at Visakhapatnam Railway Station where tourists and daily commeters bound for the scenic Araku Valley were left stranded due to a single, jam-packed train.
Inspection Spurs Immediate Action
The decisive steps were ordered by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra after a personal review of the passenger turnout and on-ground facilities. DRM Bohra conducted a thorough inspection of the station, scrutinising security arrangements on platforms, in booking areas, and on the foot over bridge. His review highlighted the acute shortage of seating capacity, prompting an urgent directive to officials.
The core instruction was to immediately augment the Kirandul passenger service by attaching additional coaches and to schedule a special train on days of high demand. This intervention aims to prevent a repeat of the problems faced by passengers last Saturday, which were also highlighted in a news report.
Detailed Augmentation Plan Rolled Out
The railway authorities have laid out a clear plan to tackle the rush, especially with the ongoing tourist season. For Train No. 58501 (Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger), one additional General Second Class coach will be attached. This enhancement will be effective from Monday, January 15, until January 20.
Similarly, for the return journey, Train No. 58502 (Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Passenger) will also be augmented with one extra General Second Class coach. This measure will run from Tuesday, January 16, through January 21.
Special Train to Clear Extra Rush
Beyond adding permanent coaches to the scheduled services, the division took an additional step to manage the unexpected surge. A special train was operated on Monday to clear the extra rush of passengers. This special service followed the notified timings and stoppages of the regular passenger train, providing much-needed relief.
The proactive measures by the Waltair Division underscore a responsive approach to passenger feedback and on-ground realities. The augmentation of the Visakhapatnam–Kirandul passenger train is expected to significantly ease travel for both tourists heading to Araku Valley and local residents, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey during peak periods.
