Platform extension work begins

NASHIK: The extension of platform number one (PF 1) at Nashik Road railway station has finally started following a nod from the Central Railway, a long-pending demand of the citizens.
The extension will facilitate passengers travelling by trains such as Panchavati Express that will be finally hosted on PF 1. The central office of Central Railway office has given the clearance for the shifting of cross-overs (which allow a trains to cross the other tracks) for the goods sheds away from the platform on the Mumbai-end of the PF 1.Most of the project has been completed and the civil work for the PF 1 will start anytime.
“The extension work includes shifting of signals and cross-overs and the construction of 88 m of platform towards Mumbai. We have got the sanction. The work of shifting the signals and cross-overs is over and the civil work will begin soon,” a senior Central Railway official said.
Platform is currently 418 m long and accommodates 19-coach train. However, Panchavati Express and most other trains have around 22 coaches.
“While in every other station the local trains and expresses are received on PF 1, the citizens have been demanding trains on the platform for eight years. The administration, however, always said since the platform could not accommodate trains with higher number of coaches, they were received on platform number 2 during their journey from Mumbai. The extension of PF 1 is likely help the cause,” said Rahul Sonawane, an expert on Railways and a frequent traveller.
The likely fact that local express trains will be received on PF 1 comes as a relief to the passengers who otherwise after getting down on PF 2 have to take the foot over-bridge (FOB) to cross over to PF 1 and then to the parking areas.
The railway officials believe that the construction of the PF 1 will be completed by May 31. “Only 88 m of length of the PF 1 has to be constructed and it will be complete by May 31. If the division allows receiving of trains on PF1, the process will then be started,” the official said.
Rajesh Patil, a regular traveller and past member of the passengers’ association, said the PF 1 “actually provided another opportunity for the Nashikites to demand a Shatabdi train between Nashik and Mumbai and Nashik and Aurangabad”.
He added, “Currently one Janshatabdi Exrpress (train with A/c and non A/c coaches) runs between Mumbai and Aurangabad. Nashikites can well raise the demand of Shatabadi – which is a complete A/c coach train — between Nashik and Mumbai and Nashik and any other city in the north or south. The PF 1 can automatically function as a terminus,” Patil said.