Jammu, May 15, KNT: Questions have surfaced over the utilization of nearly Rs 2 crore allocated by the Railway Ministry for passenger facilities between Pathankot, Jammu-Tawi, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway stations, with reports claiming that only three washrooms have been constructed on the ground despite broader plans under the sanctioned project.
According to reports, the Government of India had released funds to the Railways for the development of multiple passenger-oriented facilities, including toilets, drinking water booths, and accessibility-related entry arrangements for specially abled passengers along the railway route.
However, reports from the ground indicate that only three washrooms have been constructed so far, while no drinking water booths or several other proposed facilities are visible at the identified locations.
Sources said tenders for the work were issued by the Railways and the contract was subsequently allotted to a contractor for execution of the project.
The matter has now triggered questions regarding the implementation and utilization of the sanctioned amount, particularly after reports suggested that infrastructure corresponding to the allocated budget was not visible on the ground.
A Railway official, when contacted, declined to comment on the issue.
The reported absence of drinking water facilities and accessibility-related infrastructure has also raised concern among passengers and local observers, particularly given the heavy footfall on the Jammu-Katra railway corridor, which serves pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
No official clarification has yet been issued regarding the total expenditure incurred, project completion status, or whether additional facilities are still under construction. [KNT]
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