Title - Railway turns down terminus plea

NASHIK: The citizens' expectation for a train terminus in the city is not likely to be fulfilled with the railway administration virtually quashing their year-old demand. "Considering the current flow of traffic, there is no need for an additional platform or a terminus in Nashik," Central Railway divisional railway manager Mahesh Gupta said. The upgrade of the Nashik Road railway station into a terminus to operate trains to destinations like Mumbai has been a long pending demand of the citizens. They stepped up their demand keeping in mind the 2015 Kumbh Mela, during which the city is expected to receive thousands of tourists and pilgrims from various parts of the country. The plan of creating a rail link between Nashik and Sinnar, as well as Nashik and Dahanu, was being considered as a step towards creation of a terminus at Nashik Road. "There were talks about the possibility of constructing a terminus in Nashik, nothing more. Given the current flow of passengers, their requirements and the manner they travel, all passenger amenities are in place. Though some few more are required, they could be extended soon. But as far as the terminus or additional platform goes, we don't think there is any need for it," Gupta said. When pointed out that on two occasions in the span of five years the proposal on the terminus was sent to the Railway Board, the officer said since the railways was content with the service required and what was being provided, it was not wise to invest in the project. "Railways is looking for additional facilities only for Kumbh mela. If you keep aside the Kumbh, the services and amenities are well in place and do not warrant anything more," Gupta said.

On being asked if the railways were planning to shift the goods shed of Nashik Road railway station to some other location permanently, Gupta said there was nothing of that sorts on the cards. "We have the goods shed in a good location. We are not thinking of shifting it. Railways itself will not spend on it. If required, private players can construct such infrastructure (at Odha Railway station) and we will run it," he added.

Incidentally, the Nashik road railway station is the highest revenue earner station in the Bhusawal division of Central Railway.