Pune: Railways resume operations; station overcrowded

Pune: Pune railway station resumed operations on Monday after the 71-day lockdown was relaxed by Central and state governments. Six trains departed to Bihar, Odisha, Hyderabad and Bengaluru on the first day, as a result of which Pune station was crowded with passengers. 

The central government has permitted for 200 trains to be operational from Monday at different railway stations in the country. Accordingly, Pune-Patna (Danapur) train departed from Pune station at around 8.55 pm Monday night. Bengaluru Udyan Express from Mumbai, Konark Express to Odisha, Nizamuddin-Goa Express from Delhi and Mumbai-Gadag train also departed from Pune station. 

A total of 144 Shramik Special trains were operated from Pune railway division in the last 20 days including 84 from Pune railway station.

Railway officials took special measures in lieu of security and to maintain social distancing to avoid any spread of coronavirus. Only passengers were permitted to enter railway station premise. The entire station premise is being sanitised a day thrice. Passenger baggage was also sanitised. 

DECCAN QUEEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED
Deccan Queen train running on Pune-Mumbai route entered its 91st year of service on Monday. The train is presently stationed in Mumbai. Harsha Shah, President of Railway Pravasi Group, celebrated Deccan Queen's birthday by cutting a cake at the entrance of Pune railway station in the presence of passengers, railway and police officers. Station Master Ajay Singh, Deputy Manager Sunil Dhobale were present on occasion.