Sri Anjan Kumar Chanda, Station Manager (Gazetted) Eastern Railway, Station.

Howrah railway station, the huge, red brick building is the second oldest station and one of the largest railway complexes in India. The terminal station is located on the west bank of the , linked to by Howrah . With 23 platforms, it has the highest train- handling capacity of any railway station in India; and is one of the busiest railway stations in terms of passenger volume per day. First train of Eastern India ran from Howrah to Hooghly on 15th August,1854. At present daily average foot-fall of Howrah Station is above 10.5 lakhs per day.

Hence it was a big challenge to me to keep such busiest Station clean. Moreover safety and security of the station and its passengers are another matter of concern. At first we formed a core group of Sr. supervisors of all departments to look after the various works related to overall improvement of the station. Besides random monitoring on daily basis, special cleanliness drive was launched. A task-force of TC/TT and RPF staffs was formed for fool proof security and detection of unauthorised trolleys and unbooked luggages. By such multidirectional initiatives we have succeeded to make Howrah station a “Clean Station”. Punctual running of daily commuter services (EMU trains) from Howrah is another success of ours. 72% of our daily passengers are daily commuters. They frequently complained about punctual departure of EMUs. I had made a team of Dy.SS (Optg)/SMs to monitor and coordinate with SMs/RRI Cabin regarding Right time departure of EMU & Mail/Exp trains, particularly at morning/evening peak hours. TI & staff are nominated by me to supervise train operation, checking of correct display of TIBs(Train Indication Board), general assistance to passengers etc. At present punctuality of EMU locals at Howrah station is 99% . Daily commuters and long distance passengers are now appreciating the improvement of Howrah Station, its cleanliness and punctuality.

Under the guidance and innovative ideas of our DRM/HWH Dr. R.Badri Narayan, we are now trying to create a passenger friendly atmosphere at Howrah station. We have make all Entry-Exit points of Howrah station a hassle-free zone by removing steel barriers from gate area near Subway (as requested by passengers) for smooth passage. TC/TT & RPF staffs posted at gate area are specially counselled to help the passengers at the time of their requirement. Installation of more new electronic TIB/CIBs, large electronic display boards/ TVs, emergency lighting arrangements, signage, Q-line steel barriers at booking counters , advanced drainage system, renovated water booth with RO plant etc. are our latest inclusions to passenger amenities items. Now whole station premises are under free Wi-Fi service zone. New Taxi stand and e-taxi system with the help of City-Police for the passengers are very popular to users, A festive mood is created at festival times by decorating the station building/premises.

Users of the station are now happy, staffs are happy, hence we can dream for a better tomorrow.

HOWRAH STATION FROM RIVER HOOGHLY (GANGA)

HASSLE FREE PASSAGE FOR PASSENGERS

DECORATION OF STATION BUILDING DURING RAILWAY WEEK AND BENGALI NEW YEAR-2015

DECORATION OF INSIDE STATION DURING RAILWAY WEEK AND BENGALI NEW YEAR- 2015

CLEAN STATION

CAB- WAY OF HOWRAH STATION

NORTH CONCOURSE OF HOWRAH STATION

SOUTH CONCOURSE OF HOWRAH STATION - CLEANING IS IN PROGRESS

FAMOUS BIG CLOCK (BORO GHARI) OF HOWRAH STATION

CLEANING AT HOWRAH STATION

CLEANING IN PROGRESS ( PLATFORM AREA )

AFTER CLEANING

FREE MOVEMENT ZONE INAUGURATED BY A PASSENGER IN PRESENCE OF GM , CCM & DRM

FREE MOVEMENT ZONE INAUGURATED BY A PASSENGER IN PRESENCE OF GM , CCM & DRM