Bhubaneswar, Feb 24. India is looking forward to a multi-dollar economy, the mission of transformation of Railway stations from filth to being the clean bustling centres of comfortable travel, symbol of national pride and heritage and world class conveniences, is indeed remarkable. The mission has already began to show encouraging results. These modernized Railway Stations are representative of a nation that is not only modernizing fast but also governance that cares for its citizens. Experiencing Indian Railways is much different to what it was in the past.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for redevelopment of 554 railway stations including 21 in Odisha and 1500 ROB/RUB projects with project cost of Rs 41,000 crore on February 26.
This was announced to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Friday by Manoj Sharma, General Manger of East Coast Railway (ECoR).
The major stations that will be developed include Bimlagarh, Jaroli, Rairangpur, Panposh, Baleswar, Betnoti, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda Road, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Rayagada, Paralakhemundi, Koraput, Jeypore, Talcher, Raghunathpur, Paradeep, Kendujhargarh, Bhadrak, Belpahar, and Brajarajnagar.
Further, 52 Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under Bridges (RUB) projects in Odisha are scheduled for dedication or foundation laying. The cumulative project cost for these stands at Rs 1420 crore. In the ECoR zone alone, 30 ROB/RUBs with a cost of Rs 1,288 crore are slated for development. This initiative is expected to enhance station facilaties making travel hassle free and comfortable for passengers Sharma added.
Need be to mention here that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has gone on record saying “Our Prime Minister has a huge vision for station redevelopment. Today we are doing world’s largest redevelopment programme. 1309 stations are getting redeveloped the minister averred.” Sources close to railways mention that the scheme also envisages improvement of building, intergrating the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration and amenities for Divyangians, sustainable and environment friendly solutions.