September 21, 2026 01:28 am (IST)
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Transient defence personnel to have better comforts at Howrah Station
Kolkata, Oct 28 (IBNS): The biggest railway terminus in the country-Howrah Junction-will shortly have a spanking new 'Sainik Aramgah' or rest rooms for transient defence personnel and their dependents that will make their rail journey more pleasant and comfortable.
Station Commander, Kolkata Garrison, Maj Gen Harsha Kakar reviewed the facilities of Movement Control Office (MCO) during an inspection at Howrah railway station and expressed satisfaction at the upcoming project being readied by the Railways.
"The new facility replete with modern amenities at platform number 17, is expected to be ready in the next two months," Col Bhaskaran SKM, Commanding Officer, 413 MC/MF Detachment responsible for overseeing the movement control and forwarding of troops said.
MCO Howrah raised on April 29, 1957, is among the three MCOs located in Kolkata city. While MCO at Sealdah railway station also caters to the needs of the passengers of the Armed Forces, the one located at Dum Dum caters to the air transportation needs of troops and senior Armed Forces dignitaries.
Through the 23 platforms at Howrah, a number of trains originate, terminate or connect all parts of the country taking troops to their destinations, home or op locations.
Nearly a lakh troops are directly dependent on this MCO, which also supervises a large number of move of critical military stores, additional coaches, military compartment and goods. The number of troops in the coming years is only set to grow as newer military garrisons come up in the Eastern theatre.
MCO Howrah has been nominated as a centre of excellence in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the Annual Best MCO competition on an all India basis. In the year 2011, this MCO stood 3rd in the Annual Best MCO competition.
Currently MCO Howrah is fully automated, air conditioned and functions 24X7. An indigenous software package which has been linked to a touch screen for Defence Department Quota (DDQ) for all defence passengers has been provided here.
The PNR status of every defence rail commuter can be checked on the information kiosks (touch screen) placed at the MCO counter along with relevant information of accommodation, seat availability and Indian Railways website.
Reporting by: Susanta Das
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