New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday approved the proposal of Indian Railways to redevelop three major railway stations – New Delhi, Ahmedabad and CSMT Mumbai – Union Minister Anurag Thakur said. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that these three railway stations will be redeveloped in a time span of approximately 2 to 3.5 years and modular technology will be used in the revamp.
“New Delhi railway station will integrate train services with buses, auto and metro rail services. Ahmedabad railway station redesign inspired by Modera's Sun temple. CSMT's heritage building won't be touched but buildings nearby will be re-developed,” news agency ANI quoted Vaishnaw as saying.
According to the Railways Minister, the revamp project involves an investment of Rs 10,000 and tender for the project will be issued in the next 10 days.
As many as 199 stations, with a footfall of 50 lakh per day, are planned to be revamped in the first phase of the project, the minister said, adding that while the tender for 47 stations is out, work is underway at 32 stations.
“The total cost of the re-development of 199 stations including these three major stations is Rs 60,000 crores,” Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw further said.
The railway minister further said that the design of the new stations will include a spacious roof plaza with all passenger amenities in one place, along with spaces for retail, cafeterias, and recreational facilities.
It is to be noted that the other decisions taken during the Union Cabinet meeting include an increase in dearness allowance of the central government employees and pension by four per cent and the extension of free ration scheme by three months.