Central Railway’s Nagpur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinayak Garg has outlined an ambitious roadmap for improving passenger facilities and last-mile connectivity at railway stations across the division, including the introduction of pre-paid cab services, airport-style access-controlled parking and integrated transport solutions.
Q. Why have passengers at Nagpur railway station struggled to access cabs and auto-rickshaws conveniently? What is the status of cab aggregator integration?
A: The issue that had inconvenienced thousands of passengers for a long time has now largely been resolved.
The recently launched pre-paid cab service at Nagpur railway station is expected to provide seamless last-mile connectivity. Passengers can approach the designated pre-paid booth, scan a QR code and obtain fare details before booking a ride. Currently, space has been allocated for five cabs, and the fleet will be expanded gradually.
We are also working on introducing a pre-paid auto-rickshaw service. Awareness campaigns will be conducted to ensure passengers are informed about these facilities and can use them without difficulty.
Q. If app-based cabs, taxis and auto-rickshaws operate smoothly at Nagpur Airport, why was it difficult to implement a similar system at the railway station? When will passengers be able to access pick-up services inside the station premises?
A: We plan to introduce an access-controlled parking system similar to that used at airports once additional parking and circulation space becomes available on the station’s west side, likely by July.
Under the proposed system, a cab booked through a mobile application will be allowed to enter the station premises and will be allotted a fixed time slot for passenger pick-up. If the vehicle exceeds the permitted duration, a nominal parking fee will be charged.
However, safeguards will be built into the system. If traffic congestion occurs due to poor management, the contractor responsible for operations will face penalties. This will ensure that vehicles are not forced to wait unnecessarily and that passenger convenience remains the priority.
Q. How will the railway administration deal with resistance from local auto-rickshaw operators?
A: We will ensure adequate deployment of Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Passenger safety and smooth last-mile connectivity are our priorities. A dedicated help desk will also be established to allow passengers and drivers to report grievances or seek assistance promptly.
Q. Are there any additional plans to improve last-mile connectivity in Nagpur?
A: I have suggested to Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar that the city should develop an integrated mobility application.
The platform could bring together cabs, auto-rickshaws, Metro services and Apli Bus services on a single interface, enabling citizens to access multiple modes of transport conveniently through one application.
Q. Trains on the Nagpur-Pune and Nagpur-Mumbai routes are often overcrowded. Are there plans to increase services?
A: At present, our focus is on strengthening infrastructure, including the development of satellite terminals and construction of third and fourth railway lines.
Once these projects are completed, proposals for additional train services can be pursued. Operational feasibility also depends on the receiving railway divisions, as maintenance, cleaning and terminal capacities are important considerations. Similar infrastructure works are currently underway in Pune as well.
Q. Is there any possibility of introducing a sleeper Vande Bharat train between Nagpur and Pune?
A: A proposal for a sleeper Vande Bharat service on the Nagpur-Pune route has already been sent to the Railway Ministry.
Several other railway divisions have also submitted similar requests, as sleeper Vande Bharat trains are in high demand across the country. We remain hopeful that Nagpur will eventually receive the service.
Q. What is the latest status of the redevelopment projects at Nagpur and Ajni railway stations?
A: Redevelopment work at Nagpur railway station is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by August 2027.
The ₹297-crore Ajni railway station redevelopment project is scheduled for completion by May 2027. As part of the project, the number of platforms at Ajni will increase from three to seven, with plans to operationalise the expanded facilities by December.
The upgraded station is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Nagpur railway station.
Both redevelopment projects include enhanced passenger amenities such as parking facilities, elevated concourses, lifts, escalators and improved circulation areas.
Q. What progress has been made on satellite terminals for Nagpur?
A: Ajni is being developed as Nagpur’s first satellite terminal, while Godhani will serve as the second.
Both stations will have access from multiple sides to improve passenger convenience. Once redevelopment is complete, a substantial portion of rail traffic will be distributed away from Nagpur’s main station, helping ease congestion.
Q. Are there plans to integrate railway stations with Metro services?
A: A foot overbridge connecting Ajni railway station and the Metro station has already been completed.
Discussions are underway to create a similar connectivity arrangement on the Cotton Market side of Nagpur railway station, ensuring seamless interchange between rail and Metro services.
Q. What is the Kavach system?
A: Kavach is an indigenous railway safety system designed to prevent train collisions.
The technology ensures that a safe distance is maintained between trains operating on the same track. It continuously monitors train movements and issues warnings if the minimum safe separation is breached.
If corrective action is not taken by the train crew, the system can automatically apply brakes to prevent accidents and enhance operational safety.
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