While the city’s temperatures continue to soar past 42-degree Celsius mark, the much-touted mist cooling system at Nagpur Railway Station has hit a major snag. Despite being hailed as a major relief for travellers on platforms 1, 2 and 3 during its installation, the facility is currently operational only on platform number 1. Despite having the cooling systems passengers have to battle with the summer heat due to ongoing work at railway stations across the region. The mist cooling system was originally introduced to reduce ambient temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius through high-pressure water evaporation. Initially limited to platform 1, the service was later extended to platforms 2 and 3 to enhance comfort across all primary waiting areas during the peak months of April to June.

 

However, recent observations revealed that the nozzles on platforms 2 and 3 remain dry, frustrating hundreds of passengers who now have no escape from the scorch. The failure of the system on major platforms raises questions about the ‘easy and affordable upkeep’ promised during the launch. A railway official, when questioned about the non-functional units, attributed the ongoing work by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), they are carrying out redevelopment work of station for which platform no 2 is shutdown for train operations. The work is being carried out in co-ordination with the Non-Interlocking (NI) work at Gondia Station of South East Central Railway, scheduled from April 4, by utilising the shadow block period to ensure safe and efficient execution with minimal disruption to train operations. “Currently, only the mist system on platform number 1 is working. Other platforms mists will be non-functional until May 30.

 

We are also planning to install the mist at platform no 8, we are currently open to receive Expression of Interest (EOI) from contractors and soon we will proceed to relief passengers from this severe heat,” an Railway Official shared. With the current breakdown, the ‘environment-friendly’ benefits such as dust reduction and improved air quality have also vanished for those waiting on the affected platforms. Passengers have noted that while the high-pressure pumps and piping are visible, lack of mist makes waiting time unbearable during midday hours. As the city enters the hottest phase of the season, the delay in procurement of parts threatens to render the entire project ineffective when it is needed most. Travellers are now calling for the railway administration to expedite the work to ensure that the pioneering solution doesn’t remain a platform-specific luxury.