Nagpur Passenger Organizations Ramp Up Demands Ahead of Railway Budget 2026
As the Railway Budget 2026 approaches, passenger organizations in Nagpur have significantly intensified their calls for comprehensive improvements in rail services. The demands span connectivity enhancements, safety upgrades, station modernization, and the reinstatement of concessions that were withdrawn during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Long-Pending Demand for Zonal Status
At a recent meeting of the Bharatiya Yatri Kendra (BYK), secretary Basant Kumar Shukla highlighted a critical and long-pending demand: granting zonal status to Nagpur. This proposal has been under consideration for years, despite receiving support from various Members of Parliament and legislators. The organizations are urging the upcoming budget to finally settle this issue, which they believe is essential for better administrative efficiency and resource allocation in the region.
Key Connectivity and Service Demands
Passenger groups have outlined several key connectivity demands to improve rail travel from Nagpur. These include:
- Direct train services from Nagpur to Haridwar, citing the heavy religious travel to this pilgrimage site.
- A Nagpur-Rae Bareli service via Bhopal, Kanpur, and Lucknow, which would benefit both commuters and the local economy.
- Restoration of senior citizen concessions that were withdrawn during the pandemic, making rail travel more affordable for elderly passengers.
Additionally, ZRUCC member Nitin Solanke emphasized the need for modern facilities in general coaches, additional coaches to alleviate crowding, and the early rollout of Vande Bharat sleeper trains. He also called for special budget provisions to enhance connectivity to Yavatmal, addressing regional disparities.
Station and Onboard Improvements
At the divisional level, passenger organizations have raised numerous concerns about Nagpur station and onboard services. Key issues include:
- Problems with stray dogs, rising numbers of beggars, and closed reservation counters.
- Poor sanitation, stagnant dirty water, and auto congestion around the station, demanding urgent corrective action and better coordination with civic authorities.
- Onboard, they seek better food quality, action against illegal vendors, and clean blankets, bedsheets, and pillows.
- Separate toilets for women, improved cleanliness on platforms and in waiting rooms, and stricter control over overcrowding to enhance passenger comfort.
Safety and Operational Concerns
Safety remains a top priority, with demands for security personnel in every coach, more Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), and stricter monitoring to prevent incidents. Organizations have also expressed concerns over loco pilots working beyond eight-hour shifts, linking long duty hours to potential accidents. They are calling for stricter adherence to duty norms to ensure operational safety and reliability.
Formal Communication and Hopeful Outlook
All these demands have been formally communicated to the Railways, with passenger organizations expressing hope that the Railway Budget 2026 will address these long-standing issues. Their goal is to make rail travel safer, more affordable, and more comfortable for all passengers in the Nagpur region and beyond.
