Thiruvananthapuram: The central government has allocated Rs 3,000 crore for the renovation of 10 key railway stations in the Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions. This massive initiative, carried out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aims to enhance passenger experience and modernise crucial railway infrastructure.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, is set to witness a transformation with an allocation of Rs 470 crore for the railway station’s facelift. Other stations benefiting from this scheme include Varkala (Rs 130 crore), Kollam (Rs 367 crore), Kozhikode (Rs 472 crore), Ernakulam Junction (Rs 444 crore), and Ernakulam Town (Rs 226 crore). The comprehensive renovation work is expected to be completed within four years. Earlier, the Railways had allocated Rs 934 crore for the renovation of 90 stations on the Southern Railway.
Presently, work is in progress at key stations such as Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, Mangaluru, and Kanyakumari under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Additionally, the tender process for the Thiruvananthapuram station is in its final stage. Steps are also being taken to upgrade Thrissur and Chengannur stations.
The modernization efforts include the installation of footbridges, lifts, escalators , parking facilities, information and communication systems for real-time train updates, platform extensions ( increasing length and height), additional seating arrangements for passengers, restrooms, surveillance cameras, and generator facilities are among the planned upgrades.
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