Lucknow division worst in train punctuality

LUCKNOW: When it comes to timely arrival of trains, Lucknow divisions of Northern Railway (NR) and North Eastern Railway (NER) are at the bottom of the list in comparison to other divisions in the country.

As per a report of the Indian railways, against the target of 95% punctuality, NR and NER of Lucknow divisions scored 60.97% in 2017-18, which was the lowest in the country. This means that four out of 10 trains either arrived or departed late from Lucknow divisions.

The report was submitted to Railway Board recently.

Every day, around 400 trains run through Lucknow division of NR, of which 300 trains pass through Charbagh railway station. Of these, on an average around 120 trains were behind schedule daily during 2017-18. Similarly, around 250 trains run through Lucknow division of NER, of which 125 pass through Lucknow Junction. Of these, about 110 trains were late daily during the said period.

The major reasons behind late running of trains are old and fewer tracks, frequent repair and maintenance of tracks, and lesser number of platforms at Lucknow stations.

Railway officials say that due to fewer number of tracks and platforms, trains either run slow or are made to wait at various spots.Divisional railway manager (DRM) of NR Lucknow division Satish Kumar said expansion work is underway at Charbagh station which will ensure timely arrival and departure of trains.

DRM NER Lucknow division Vijaylaxmi Kaushik said, "More officials have been deputed for better coordination between stations. Also, I have asked CRB to develop the infrastructure of Gonda station and adjoining stations so that we can manage the over load of trains."