The Union cabinet, today, approved the railways proposal to revamp three main stations in the country with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore. In three and a half years' time, the stations - New Delhi Railway Station, Ahmedabad Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai - will undergo complete makeover to address the future needs in terms of mobility, handling of passengers and aesthetics.
Like airports, the stations will have segregation of arrival and departures. The aim will be to have clutter-free platforms, improved surfaces, fully covered platforms, and city centre-like place. These will be iconic station buildings, the cabinet statement said.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said all three stations will have their own distinct look and features. The congested New Delhi railway station will integrate train services with buses, auto and metro rail services, with elevated roads providing access. In Mumbai, the heritage CSMT won't be touched but nearby buildings will be re-developed, and station will also have a new entrance. The Ahmedabad railway station redesign is inspired by Modera's Sun temple.
"The cabinet decision gives a new direction to the station development. The work on redevelopment of 199 stations is currently on. Out of these, tenders have been issued for 47 stations. Master planning and design for the remaining is underway. Work is progressing at a fast speed for 32 stations. The cabinet has sanctioned investment of Rs. 10,000 crore for country's three big stations," Vaishnaw said during the cabinet briefing.
Every station will have a spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities at one place along with spaces for retail, cafeterias, recreational facilities. Both sides of the city will be connected with the station, with the station building on both sides of railway tracks. Facilities like food court, waiting lounge, playing area for children, place for local products will be available. Master plan has been prepared for smooth movement of traffic, with adequate parking facilities. Green Building Techniques will be used, with solar energy, water conservation/recycling and improved tree cover.
Vaishnaw said that the Delhi station will take around 3.5 years to complete as it involves complex operational changes, the other two stations at Ahmedabad and Mumbai will be ready in 2.5 years.
