400 Railway Stations To Get 100 Crore Makeover, With Helipads, Executive Lounges and World Class Facilities

What comes to your mind when you think of your next flight? Strolling your luggage in on a glossy marble floor, a posh cup of coffee, the possibility of stretching out your legs in the lounge area, and then being politely ushered into your seat.

it's enjoyable. It's clean. It's classy. Wi-fi.

Your next train journey? None of the above apply

If Indian Railway Ministry sources can be believed, the government will spend nearly Rs 100 crore to develop 400 railway stations that were announced in the Railway Budget. India's railway stations, defined by surly staff, cheap railway station cutting chai, and filth carefully hidden in corners are set to become glossy, clean, and well...like airports. Airports as inspiration doesn't end at cleanliness - stations will have their own helipads, executive lounges, terminals for arrivals and departures.

11 Haunted Railway Stations In The World That'll Spook The Pants Off You

Foreign consultants

sopasnor flickr

SNCF, the French national railway company is helping develop stations at Ambala and Ludhiana, and also "inspecting" the New Delhi railway station. Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria might also pitch in, with their expertise.

Stations

Uttar Pradesh reportedly might get 12 world-class stations - the most across India.

Work has already begun at the Habibganj railway station. The station will have dedicated pick-up and drop-off parking facilities, and parking for 1000 plus vehicles. ¡°The world-class stations will be designed as a multi modal transit hub. The stations will have adequate seating and waiting apace so as to reduce congestion. Also, these stations will have multiple entry/exits for better crowd management,¡± said railway spokesperson Anil Saxena.

Indian Railways is consulting with foreign experts and finalising bids for other pilot makeover projects in Gujarat (Surat and Gandhinagar), Delhi (Anand Vihar and Bijwasan railway stations), Chandigarh, Pune (Shivaji Nagar), Mohali (SAS Nagar). Delhi's Anand Vihar terminal overhaul will see it integrated with Anand Vihar station of Delhi Metro and the interstate bus terminal (ISBT). "...there will be ample space for a hotel, restaurants, coffee shops, multiplex, retail outlets and offices..."officials said.

Additional space will be procured to set up malls, multiplexes, restaurants, and offices.

¡°The proposed world-class stations will have three levels. The top level will be used by outbound passengers, while those arriving from trains will use subways in the basement to exit from the station building. There will be minimum passenger movement on the platforms,¡± a senior official associated with the project told Mail Today. Commercial development is budgeted at an additional 350 crore.

Here's The Government's Plan To Make Rail Stations As Clean As Airports