‘Pune-Ernakulam train should stop in Konkan’

Although the Malayalee community in Pune is ecstatic over the introduction of the bi-weekly Pune-Ernakulam superfast train, a section of Puneites are disappointed as the train passes through the Konkan region, but does not stop there. The president of the Railway Pravasi Group, Harsha Shah, explains to DNA why the railway authorities should provide stops in some places in the Konkan.

How beneficial is the train for the city?
In its true sense, the new train has served no purpose for the city. There is already a Pune-Ernakulam train running. If the frequency of that train were increased, it would have been better.

What is the train connectivity?
It leaves on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6.45 pm and reaches Ernakulam on Thursdays and Mondays at 7 pm. The train from Ernakulam leaves for Pune on Fridays and Tuesdays at 5.15 am and reaches Pune on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 5.50 am. The train stops at Panvel, Sawantwadi, Madgaon, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode and Shornur.

What do you find wrong with the train? 
This train passes via Panvel and since it’s a superfast train, it has no stops in the Konkan region. As soon as the train enters Kerala, it stops at all stations. Instead, if the train had stops in the Konkan too, passengers would not only have enjoyed the natural beauty of the region, but there would have been business between the Konkan and Pune.

Isn’t it good news that a new train is being introduced from Pune? 
We have nothing against the introduction of the new train. It will certainly benefit people from Kerala. But it does not stop in the Konkan region, though there are 10 to 15 lakh people in the city who have a direct connection with the Konkan. It’s baffling that the railways have ignored this section of the residents.

How is the rail connectivity between Pune and Konkan region? 
It is extremely poor. Not a single train goes from Pune to Konkan region. We have been demanding such a train, but there has been no response.  Puneites have to travel to Konkan by bus. If the train had stops at Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Pavas and Kankavali, it would have helped people from both regions. Similarly, If the train had stops at Udupi in Karnataka, it would have proved more beneficial as Udupi is a big banking and educational centre.

Are you going to take up the matter with the railway authorities? 
Yes, we will certainly take up the issue with them. For the railways, it would not be a losing proposition if they do something for the people of the Konkan.

What other problems does the Pune railway station face? 
There is a need to improve rail connectivity between Pune and other parts of the country. There should have been at least 500 trains passing through or originating from Pune station.

Instead there are 225 trains and 25 holiday specials. Pune station has not seen any development for years. The automatic elevator is not working and the platforms are unclean.

There is a need to beef up security. There is no land available, which is hampering the growth of the station. There is a need to increase the number of platforms to nine to cater to the growing number of passengers.