Northern Railway launches eco-friendly overhaul at Kathua Station

Comprehensive upgrades to curb pollution; plan also involves shifting Kathua Goods Shed to Chhan Arorian Station

SRINAGAR: In a decisive move towards sustainable and efficient railway operations, Northern Railway has unveiled a robust action plan to address environmental and infrastructure challenges at Kathua Railway Station and Goods Shed.
This initiative, spurred by directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), focuses on modernizing facilities, mitigating pollution, and ensuring compliance with green guidelines.
The action plan follows a joint survey conducted under the NGT's orders, which identified several critical issues at the Kathua Railway Station. These ranged from dust pollution caused by unpaved roads to inadequate green cover and the absence of proper operational consent. In response, Northern Railway’s General Manager has approved a series of measures aimed at both short-term fixes and long-term sustainability.
One of the key challenges highlighted was the lack of a Consent to Operate (CTO) for the goods shed and railway station from the State Pollution Control Committee (SPCC). Northern Railway has initiated the process of obtaining the necessary permissions and paid the requisite fees. A provisional CTO is expected by the end of 2024, ensuring that railway operations align with environmental regulations.
To tackle the problem of dust pollution, the action plan includes significant improvements to approach roads. These roads, previously in poor condition, contributed to air quality deterioration during truck movements. A sanctioned budget of ₹14.62 crores for financial year 2023-24 has been allocated to upgrade these roads, with 18% of the work already completed. The upgrades are expected to be finished by December 31, 2024, ensuring smoother and cleaner transportation.
Further measures include the construction of a 20-foot dust screen wall to prevent particulate matter from affecting passengers on Platform 2. This replaces the existing 6-foot barrier, which was found to be insufficient. Additionally, water tankers will be deployed for regular dust suppression on unpaved surfaces. Mechanized water sprinklers were deemed impractical for cement handling operations, but the division has assured ongoing monitoring to address dust concerns effectively.
A significant emphasis has also been placed on green belt development. Currently, green cover exists only on one side of the station, adjacent to a residential area. The joint survey identified 1,460 square meters of land for further plantation, with tall-growing trees to act as natural barriers against pollution. This initiative is set to be completed by November 30, 2024, marking a major step towards a greener and healthier environment.
In parallel, Northern Railway has completed a 400-meter-long covered shed at the goods handling site. This infrastructure will significantly reduce dust emissions and improve efficiency in handling goods such as cement. The plan also involves shifting the Kathua Goods Shed to Chhan Arorian Station, with work already underway. In the interim, a new private freight terminal at SMBX Station, located 40 kilometers away, is being utilized to reduce the load on Kathua.
Northern Railway’s action plan also emphasizes strict adherence to timelines to ensure prompt delivery of these upgrades. The tendering process for several projects has already been completed, with work progressing steadily at the site.
Senior officials have committed to regular monitoring and coordination among departments to prevent delays. The use of modern construction techniques and eco-friendly practices is expected to expedite the transformation of Kathua Railway Station into a sustainable transport hub.

Updated On 12/4/2024 3:02:40 AM