by: Nav Jeevan

Centre gives nod to Ahmedabad railway station redesign inspired by Modera’s Sun temple

  • Ahmedabad, Mumbai’s CSMT & New Delhi Railway Stations get ₹10,000cr overhaul
  • Work on redevelopment of 199 Stations is going on.
  • Out of these, tenders have been issued for 47 stations.
  • Master planning and design for the remaining is underway.
  • Work is progressing fast for 32 stations

NE BUSINESS BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEP 28

The Union government on Wednesday announced that the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Indian Railways for the re-development of three major railway stations, namely New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs 10,000 crores.

” Today, the Cabinet has sanctioned investment of Rs 10,000 crore for 3 big stations, namely New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai and Ahmedabad Railway Stations We are bringing a new design element for the railways by building a roof-plaza, which means the maximum utilisation of the space present above the platforms and railway tracks,” Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, adding, “This is being done to create a new urban space, so that food courts and better waiting area should be created in the railway stations of the country.”

Vaishnaw further added, “New Delhi railway station will integrate train services with buses, auto and metro rail services. Ahmedabad railway station redesign is inspired by Modera’s Sun temple. CSMT’s heritage building won’t be touched but buildings nearby will be re-developed.”

Railway Station is an important and central place for any city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given importance to stations development in the transformation of Railways. Today’s Cabinet decision gives a new direction to the station development. Work on redevelopment of 199 Stations is going on. Out of these, tenders have been issued for 47 stations. Master planning and design for the remaining is underway. Work is progressing fast for 32 stations.

The standard elements of station design will be

  • Every station will have a spacious roof plaza (36/72/108 m) with all passenger amenities at one place along with spaces for retail, cafeterias, recreational facilities.
  • Both sides of the city will be connected with the station, with the station building on both sides of Railway tracks.
  • Facilities like food court, waiting lounge, playing area for children, place for local products, etc will be available.
  • The stations located within the city will have a city center like place.
  • To make the stations comfortable, there will be proper illumination, way finding/signages, acoustics, lifts/escalators/travelators.
  • Master plan has been prepared for smooth movement of traffic, with adequate parking facilities.
  • There will be integration with other modes of transportation like metro, bus etc.
  • Green Building Techniques will be used, with solar energy, water conservation/recycling and improved tree cover.
  • Special care will be taken to provide Divyang friendly facilities.
  • These stations will be developed on the concept of intelligent building.
  • There will be segregation of arrival/departures, Clutter free platforms, improved surfaces, fully covered platforms.
  •  The stations will be safe with installation of CCTV and access control.
  • These will be iconic station buildings.