HT Correspondent
Varanasi, March 6
THE SABARMATI Express plying between Faizabad and Gujarat will be extended up to Varanasi for the convenience of passengers.
Talking to mediapersons here today, divisional railway manager (DRM) of the Northern Railways for Lucknow division, RK Gupta said the notification for extension of the train would be issued soon. He said that Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav had announced the extension of this train up to Varanasi in the Railway Budget.
Gupta said that the first Jan Sadhran ticket booking counter of Lucknow division has been set up at Thatheri Bazar area in Varanasi for the convenience of passengers. Now, the passengers would not have to wait in long queues at the station for getting their train tickets just before the departure of trains, he added. He said passengers could buy their tickets as per their convenience in the city. Three more such counters would be set up at Kachehry, Chhitupur and Pandeypur areas soon, he said.
The DRM further said an air conditioned waiting hall and a VIP room would be set up near the entrance of platform number one at the Varanasi cantonment station.
He said that the doubling of tracks between Mughalsarai and Lucknow was in progress and the entire project was expected to be completed by the year 2009. The work on three sectors between Jafarabad and Lucknow was also in progress, he added.
Earlier, DRM inaugurated the Jan Sadharan ticket booking counter at Thatheri Bazar area.
Railway official Gitanjali Kame, the divisional commercial manager, Amod Gupta were also present on the occasion.
The DRM also flagged off the 4257 Up Kashi Vishwanath Express from platform number 9. The train had been awarded the ISO certification. The Kashi Vishwanath Express is the second important train of Lucknow division, availing an ISO certification.