Don’t be surprised if you see a computerised passenger reservation system and advanced announcement system at railway stations located in the smaller towns of Gujarat like Kalol in North Gujarat or Samkhyali in Kutch. These measures have been initiated by the Ahmedabad division of the Western Railway which has chalked out plans to provide a facelift to railway stations in all towns in the state connected by rail.

As part of its efforts to provide better facilities to passengers, the Railway Ministry has asked each railway division to upgrade atleast five railway stations falling under A, B or C category towns. Following the ministry’s directive, Ahmedabad division has planned to upgrade seven railway stations into ‘Model Railway Stations’. “We have identified Kalol, Sabarmati, Viramgam, Dhragadhra, Saymkhyali, Anjar and Bhachau railway stations for upgrading facilities,” said Rajiv Misra, divisional railway manager, Ahmedabad division.  These model stations would be provided with advanced and modern facilities like electronic train indication modes, coach indication modes, computerised passenger reservation system and an advanced system for announcement of arrival and departures of trains. The model stations would also be equipped with a signage train display system and multi information kiosks.

Facilities like lighting systems, higher platforms for boarding trains, wider parking facilities and cleaner toilets would also be made available at such stations. “While the Railway Ministry asked us to take up five such stations for upgradation, we have chalked out plans to upgrade facilities at seven railway stations falling under Ahmedabad division,” Misra said, adding, “In case of the Mehsana railway station, the cost of upgradation was around Rs 2-3 crore. Similarly, the investment in these seven railway stations would range from Rs 1.5- 3 crore for each station depending upon the upgradation to be undertaken. He also informed that Ahmedabad was also one of the 16 cities identified for a makeover into a world-class railway station.

Courtesy: Financial Express - Bombay,India