Suresh Jain, director, Pune railway station, told TOI that while one cart will be on platform number 1, the other will operate on platform numbers 2 and 3.
Earlier this week, TOI had published a report on the above issues, including non-operation of these carts and frequent shutdown of the escalators.
“We have managed to get the carts back on the platforms after servicing them. Still some work, such as issuance of identity cards to the drivers, is left, which is being initiated. Anyone, especially senior citizens, people travelling with a lot of luggage, women and physically-challenged passengers, can avail of the facility. These carts were non-functional for the past two years mainly due to the pandemic,” Jain said on Thursday. Another official said that until new ramps come up at existing foot over bridges, the battery-operated carts cannot go to all platforms.
“On platforms 2 and 3, one has to walk for around 50 to 60 metres before one can reach the escalator leading to the FOB. Platform number 1 is quite long and at times one has to walk quite a distance to board the designated train compartment,” he said.
“Two technicians will keep a round-the-clock vigil on escalators. One person will take care of the escalator on the front side of the station and on platforms 2 and 3, while another person will monitor the escalator near platform number 6. They will work in shifts and act swiftly in case of any technical problem or shutdown. They have been asked to report to me and in no case should they go anywhere else,” Jain said.
Passengers said that reintroduction of the carts was a good move.
“Their operations might be limited, but these carts will be helpful for many passengers,” said a passenger.
