Executive body members of Chotanagpur Passengers Association raised several demands surrounding passenger welfare during a meeting at the United Club in Bistupur here on Sunday.

The outfit demanded an alternative train to Howrah from Tatanagar similar to the Steel Superfast Express.

“The Steel Superfast Express between Tatanagar and Howrah witnesses a huge rush daily. An alternative train is the need of the hour. It will help in reducing the rush in Steel Express,” said S.P. Trivedi, a senior executive member.

Another member Vinita Shah pointed out rodent menace in Howrah-Mumbai Geetanjali Express, which travels via Tatanagar.

“One can see rats moving freely in both general and AC coaches. The railways should take pest control measures at regular intervals to ensure the long-distance train is free of rodents,” she said.

General secretary of the passenger outfit Arun Tiwari reiterated their demand for a regular direct train to Jaipur from Tatanagar and a superfast train between Tatanagar and Buxar in Bihar. “We have already raised our demands during the recent meeting of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee held in Chakradharpur,” he said.

The senior functionary also pointed out about improving passenger amenities like drinking water facilities at smaller stations under Chakradharpur division.

Shravan Kumar Debuka, another member of the outfit, highlighted accommodation problems in non-AC LHB coaches. “It is difficult for passengers to travel in non-AC LHB coaches as there is not enough space,” he said.

The executive committee members also discussed issues related to punctuality and safety of trains and quality of food served.

Parking issues on Bistupur Main Road and absence of toilets between Bistupur thana and Traffic Signal Post were discussed as well.

Some members appreciated the government’s move to set up an airport in Dhalbhumgarh while others stressed on the need to improve the condition of NH-33 between Jamshedpur and Dalbhumgarh.