Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Jhansi and Gwalior rly stations to be redeveloped

The redevelopment of the railway stations has been planned by Railway ministry through IRSDC

PRAYAGRAJ: Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) plans to develop two railway stations in Prayagraj division as well as three other stations of north central railways (NCR).

The decision is in keeping with the union ministry of railways’ plan for redevelopment of railway stations through IRSDC. Apart from two stations of Prayagraj division, namely Prayagraj junction and Kanpur Central, the IRSDC also plans to develop three more stations of NCR, namely Agra, Jhansi and Gwalior, officials said after a meeting between officials of Prayagraj division and IRSDC on Friday.

IRSDC and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) have started “techno-economic feasibility studies’ of the stations.

Based on the results of the feasibility study, the stations are planned to be redeveloped in phases, they added.

IRSDC would be adding facilities in these stations with the aim that it suits the requirement of these cities for the next 40 years, officials said singling out Prayagraj for special mention. That’s because Prayagraj plays host to lakhs of devotees during religious fairs like Kumbh and Mahakumbh apart from those coming every year for the annual Magh Mela, officials said.

The redevelopment project includes congestion free nonconflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration of both sides of the city wherever feasible, integration with other modes of transport systems like bus and metro rail, user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop and pick up alomg with adequate parking facilities, officials said.

According to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Prayagraj Mohit Chandra passenger interests would be accorded top priority while taking up railway station redevelopment project. “Railway stations are used by passengers from different walks of life and thus it cannot be developed considering needs of any just one particular class,” he said. He also said that at the time of redevelopment it is necessary to keep in mind different weather conditions like dense fog, heavy rain, heat etc.

The DRM said that the redevelopment work of the station would be done keeping in mind the requirements of the next 40 to 50 years and directions have been issued to the officers to identify future requirements.

“IRSDC should be given all support so that all necessary aspects can be taken into consideration while formulating the action plan and the redevelopment of the station can be done in a planned manner,” he said.

At the meeting CGM VB Sood on behalf of IRSDC made a power point presentation showing how Prayagraj and Kanpur stations would look like after being developed. in the course of development, the station buildings registered in the heritage category will also be fully protected.