Retired employees seek Almora–Kathgodam rail line amid parking and travel bottlenecks

The Retired Central Employees Welfare Committee has renewed its demand for a railway line connecting Almora with Kathgodam, saying the proposal has not moved forward despite an earlier memorandum to the Prime Minister.

The committee discussed the issue during a meeting held on Saturday at the Municipal Corporation auditorium in Almora. Members said the rail connection would address a long-standing demand linked to travel access in the region.

Parking and public facilities

The committee also called for proper seating arrangements at all city bypasses, crossings, junctions and the bus station. Members said passengers and other residents face inconvenience because suitable places to sit are not available.

Concern was also raised over parking on Mall Road, described in the meeting as the city’s lifeline. Although parking facilities exist, vehicles are still being left irregularly on both sides of the road. Members said this creates difficulties for pedestrians and contributes to traffic jams.

Delays on key routes

The meeting highlighted problems at Quarb, where a hillside is deteriorating, and at Kainchi, where traffic jams frequently occur. These disruptions affect people travelling through Almora, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts.

According to the committee members, journeys that normally take 3-4 hours can stretch to 8-10 hours when traffic is held up. The concerns reflect the wider travel difficulties faced by residents and passengers using the routes around Almora.

The committee also demanded home delivery of cooking gas so that consumers do not face unnecessary difficulty in obtaining supplies.

Committee members present

Those attending the meeting included NC Joshi, CS Siradi, AS Karki, MD Kandpal, Harish Lal, Ganesh Bisht, PS Negi, Diwan Singh Bisht, RP Joshi and Dr PC Joshi.

The committee’s immediate demands therefore covered railway connectivity, better public amenities, more orderly parking, action on traffic bottlenecks and doorstep LPG delivery. The railway demand had previously been submitted to the Prime Minister, but members said no action had been taken so far.

Conclusion

The committee has renewed its call for an Almora–Kathgodam rail link while seeking practical steps on parking, passenger facilities, route congestion and LPG delivery. Members said the earlier memorandum to the Prime Minister has not yet produced action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What railway project has the committee demanded?

The committee has demanded a railway line connecting Almora with Kathgodam.

Q. Has the railway demand been submitted earlier?

Yes. The committee said it had previously sent a memorandum on the matter to the Prime Minister, but no action had followed so far.

Q. What parking problem was raised?

Members said vehicles are being parked irregularly on both sides of Mall Road despite the presence of parking facilities.

Q. Which locations were linked to travel delays?

The committee cited the deteriorating hillside at Quarb and traffic jams at Kainchi.

Q. How long can journeys take during traffic disruptions?

Members said journeys of 3-4 hours can extend to 8-10 hours because of traffic jams.

Q. What LPG-related demand was made?

The committee called for home delivery of cooking gas to prevent inconvenience for consumers.