PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 8: The AJSU Party’s East Singhbhum unit, on Monday, submitted a memorandum addressed to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) through the Station Superintendent of Tatanagar, raising strong objections to the complete closure of the VIP lane outside the station and the prolonged delays of passenger trains approaching Tatanagar.
AJSU Flags Inconvenience Caused by VIP Lane Closure
District president Kanhaiya Singh, who led the delegation, said the steel barricading of the VIP lane has created serious inconvenience for the public.
According to the memorandum, if any VIP arrives at Tatanagar, their vehicles will occupy the dropping lane, forcing common passengers’ vehicles to line up behind them.
As per the parking contractor’s agreement, any vehicle standing in the dropping lane for more than 10 minutes is fined Rs 500 — a burden unfairly imposed on ordinary citizens.
AJSU also pointed out that the closure will affect emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades and vehicles carrying persons with disabilities, which will now have to wait far from the station.
“This is a direct threat to public convenience and safety,” the party stated.
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Party Highlights Hours-Long Train Delays in Reaching Tatanagar
The memorandum further highlighted that passenger trains reaching Chandil, Chakradharpur or Ghatsila on time often take an additional 3–4 hours to cover the remaining distance to Tatanagar.
The party demanded immediate corrective measures to end such delays.
Station Superintendent Sunil Kumar, responding to the delegation, clarified that apart from the President, Prime Minister, Governor and Chief Minister, no one else falls under the VIP category.
He stated that an arrangement has been kept for their entry and exit through a designated gate.
Emergency service arrangements, he added, are still under discussion and will be implemented based on future orders.
AJSU Warns of Agitation if Issues Remain Unresolved
Former minister Ramchandra Sahis termed the issue “a serious concern for Jamshedpur” and accused the DRM’s functioning style of being “against public sentiment.”
He said that AJSU would be compelled to launch a mass agitation if the concerns are not addressed.
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District president Kanhaiya Singh reiterated that the barricading is causing avoidable hardship to the public. “If vehicles awaiting VIPs occupy the dropping lane, where will common passengers go. There is no alternative arrangement for emergency services or persons with disabilities. In case of an accident, even an immediate response will not be possible,” he said.
He warned that AJSU would launch an intensified protest if the railway authorities failed to resolve the issues promptly.
