Shri Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager, Central Railway, conducted a detailed inspection of the Solapur Division on 9th May 2025, focusing on safety, security, and readiness for the upcoming Ashadi pilgrimage.
A crucial review meeting was held at the Pandharpur Temple premises with state authorities and divisional railway officers. Key aspects of Ashadi preparations were discussed, including the safe movement of palkis across railway tracks, provision of holding areas, toilet facilities, enhancement of the Passenger Information System, CCTV surveillance, streamlined movement of devotees through the temple complex, and connectivity between railway stations and public transport systems. Timelines for each activity were deliberated, along with plans for service augmentation over the previous year.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the General Manager conducted a review of traffic facility works at the Tikekarwadi gang hut, engaging with branch officers in the field. He examined the strategic importance of the land at Tikekarwadi, emphasising its proximity to Solapur and its potential for developing facilities to decongest Solapur station. The vision includes the creation of infrastructure to accommodate trainsets and facilitate more originating trains from the division.
During the inspection, General Manager, Central Railway stressed the need for integrated planning and streamlining of tenders by grouping works of similar nature, enabling comprehensive development. He highlighted the importance of capacity augmentation, resilience enhancement, and optimal use of railway land for common loops, holding lines, and bidirectional signalling. He instructed officers to prepare standardised checklists to improve the consistency and objectivity of inspections.
An unplanned inspection of signalling gear and documentation was also carried out at Tikekarwadi Station, where various operational registers were thoroughly reviewed.
Central Railway remains committed to ensuring safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly operations, particularly during large-scale events such as the Ashadi pilgrimage.
