Pune: New DRM Rajesh Kumar Verma Vows To Curb Hawker Encroachment And Improve Passenger Facilities In Division

In an exclusive conversation with the Free Press Journal, Rajesh Kumar Verma, the newly-appointed Divisional Railway Manager of Pune Division, said, "Encroachment by hawkers and illegal stalls will not be tolerated at any railway station, including Pune railway station, under the Pune division."

Verma assumed the role of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Pune Division on January 7. A 1993-batch Indian Railway Stores Services (IRSS) officer, Verma holds a civil engineering degree and a postgraduate qualification in soil mechanics and foundation engineering from IIT Delhi. Previously, he served as the chief material manager in Northern Railway.

"Our first priority is to provide basic facilities to the passengers as per the rules, whether it is related to maintenance, sanitation, or safety," he said.

He further mentioned, "We will soon discuss with the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and Commercial Manager to address passengers' basic needs, such as safety, food quality, and ensuring legal vendors on the trains. During our inspections, we will also ensure a hassle-free journey for passengers."