The Railways is going ahead with the proposal to develop Ernakulam
Junction station into world class standards. It will seek assistance
from local bodies, private companies and banks for mobilising funds to
carry out the development activities.
Rajesh Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager of the Thiruvananthapuram Division, told reporters that the blueprint for the renovation has already been completed and the Railways would be holding talks with private companies, local bodies and banks to fund Rs 12 crore for the initial work.
A request to the railway board for Rs 12 crore to meet the initial expenditure has been submitted. “But the railway board might not allocate this much fund to us. So we are harping on sponsorships from private and local bodies,” he said.
The renovation is aimed at improving architecture, ambiance and amenities of the station.
The station would sport a new look which can be noticed from the entry point itself. Emphasis would be laid on traditional architecture of Kerala. Issues of movement and parking of vehicles outside the station would be addressed. A clockwise vehicle movement is proposed by which vehicles can easily enter and exit the station compound. The parcel and other offices would be shifted to the northern side. The ambiance of the station would be improved by repairing the passenger sheds and installing more televisions with the sponsorship from private companies.
Issues like waterlogging would rectified, platforms would be roofed, amenities like upper class waiting room and executive lounge are on the anvil, modern tiles would be laid and seats for the passengers would be increased. Escalators which would cost around Rs 3 crore are also under consideration.
Rajesh Agarwal expressed satisfaction over state government allocating fund in the budget to develop South Railway station into world class station. The Railways is planning to decrease the time consumption of Jan Shatabdi Express between Thriuvananthapuram and Kochi. Efforts are on to increase the speed so that it can cover the distance within two-and-a-half hours.
The Railways is also looking to open new reservation counters outside the station. “Seventeen new reservation counters would be opened away from the station. Another 20 are also under consideration. We plan to start reservation through post offices as well,” he said.
Source: http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/South-Railway-Station-to-sport-a-classy-look/2013/04/10/article1537963.ece
Rajesh Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager of the Thiruvananthapuram Division, told reporters that the blueprint for the renovation has already been completed and the Railways would be holding talks with private companies, local bodies and banks to fund Rs 12 crore for the initial work.
A request to the railway board for Rs 12 crore to meet the initial expenditure has been submitted. “But the railway board might not allocate this much fund to us. So we are harping on sponsorships from private and local bodies,” he said.
The renovation is aimed at improving architecture, ambiance and amenities of the station.
The station would sport a new look which can be noticed from the entry point itself. Emphasis would be laid on traditional architecture of Kerala. Issues of movement and parking of vehicles outside the station would be addressed. A clockwise vehicle movement is proposed by which vehicles can easily enter and exit the station compound. The parcel and other offices would be shifted to the northern side. The ambiance of the station would be improved by repairing the passenger sheds and installing more televisions with the sponsorship from private companies.
Issues like waterlogging would rectified, platforms would be roofed, amenities like upper class waiting room and executive lounge are on the anvil, modern tiles would be laid and seats for the passengers would be increased. Escalators which would cost around Rs 3 crore are also under consideration.
Rajesh Agarwal expressed satisfaction over state government allocating fund in the budget to develop South Railway station into world class station. The Railways is planning to decrease the time consumption of Jan Shatabdi Express between Thriuvananthapuram and Kochi. Efforts are on to increase the speed so that it can cover the distance within two-and-a-half hours.
The Railways is also looking to open new reservation counters outside the station. “Seventeen new reservation counters would be opened away from the station. Another 20 are also under consideration. We plan to start reservation through post offices as well,” he said.
Source: http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/South-Railway-Station-to-sport-a-classy-look/2013/04/10/article1537963.ece
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