Long-distance trains of the SER were largely operated from platform number 17 of the Howrah railway station.
Photo: IANS/File
The South Eastern Railway (SER) officially started its commercial services from the newly built platform number 24 at West Bengal’s Howrah Station on Monday.
Long distance trains of the SER were largely operated from platform number 17 of the Howrah railway station, leading them to wait for a considerable duration for clearance from the station authorities.
Advertisement
After the functioning of the newly built platform (measuring 635 metres in length), which is able to accommodate a full length 24 coach rake, the SER is planning to operate its express trains from this platform at the New Complex.
Advertisement
“This would provide some relief to the passengers of long distance trains who have to wait for some time before entering Howrah Station,” an official informed. “Very soon, platform number 17 would be handed over to the Eastern Railway for extension. The platform is shorter now and can handle only upto 18 coach trains. Once ready, that also would enable enhanced capacity allowing us to accommodate more full length rakes,” the official added.
The Howrah Station under the Eastern Railway is undergoing redevelopment with a major infrastructure expansion. The station is all set for addition of one more new platform and extension of eight more to accommodate a maximum number of full length trains.
In addition to platform number 24, the divisional railway is developing a new platform numbered as 16 with a proposed length of 300m at the Howrah Station.
Apart from the two new platforms, the Howrah Division is planning to extend all the remaining 22 platforms to operate lengthier trains of 20, 22 or even 24 coaches. Of the 22, the platforms 10–11 and 12–13 are being extended at a cost of Rs 17.59 crore for longer-length trains.
Advertisement
