Along side integrating the third line on Itarsi-Nagpur route, the Central Railway is planning yard remodelling at Nagpur Railway Station to streamline train operations. Although the work volume involved isn’t so big, the disruption that it might cause has the division officials worried. Rajesh Chikhale, Senior Division Engineer (Co-ord), said that as per the plan, Platform (PF) 1 would be chipped a bit at the Itarsi end and pushed backward. This would enable straightening of the curve on tracks that slows down the exit of Delhi-bound trains from Nagpur station.

The plan has been in discussion since past few years but given the disruption that would be caused in train time-table, the railway officials have been keeping it on backburner, it is learnt, as the decision also involves rerouting or cancellation of distance Mail/Express trains due to which passengers are bound to feel agitated. The modification, however, in the yard is long overdue as that would significantly minimise waiting on outer signals. An official said that a series of consultations was on with various departments to minimise the disruptions during yard modification. The work is scheduled to take place sometimes post August this year, after the withdrawal of monsoon. It will include the integration of a third line from Godhni to Nagpur station yard, for which turn outs will have to be put in place that enable to and fro movement of trains on different platforms at the yard.

As per the plan, the length of PF 4 and 5 and, to some extent, PF 6 will also be increased. This, according to Chikhale, is necessary as now most of the Mail/Express trains are running with 26 bogies. As per the standard, platform length should be over 700 metres while currently it is about 600 metres. The yard remodelling work is scheduled to be taken-up by Construction Organisation of Central Railway. Post extension of platforms, the detention of trains on outer signal would end, he added. The current yard layout prevents extension to platform length and the process is quite complicated as then each and every signal point that is linked to route relay interlocking needs to be readjusted and repositioned.

Chikhale was of view that since travellers had booked their tickets in advance any last minute cancellation or diversion of trains put them in uncomfortable situation. Therefore all possible care is being taken by railway officials to ensure least trouble for passengers. During the period of line integration, the remodelling of Nagpur railway station would also come on stream. For facilitating the construction over the rail blocks would need to be provided and it would also lead rescheduling of trains. Right now primary work on the fringes of tracks at the station. This work is being overseen by Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA).