LTT among 21 train stations to be redeveloped
These major changes come under Union budget 2017 which now includes the railways.
Mumbai: In a move to improve infrastructure and decongesting the exit/entry points at overcrowded stations and enabling them for easier access to the differently-abled at stations like Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane, Borivali, Bandra and Mumbai Central are to go in for an overhaul under the railway’s station development policy, while stations like CST, Kalyan, Thane, Andheri, Churchgate to name a few, will have easier wheelchair access.
However, both general managers of Central and Western railway have said the budget gives no clarity on what projects, services, trains will be announced for Mumbai. Both the general managers have said they will have to wait until February 3 when the exact work and funds are declared in what is called the Pink Book.
These major changes come under Union budget which now includes the railways, in which the announcement of 500 stations will be user friendly for the physically challenged and 21 stations slated for the redevelopment. Central Railway (CR) general manager D.K. Sharma said, “Kalyan, LTT and Pune will be redeveloped, in fact the bids for these works will be coming out in a few days.”
Similarly stations that are classified under the A1 and A category will be differently-abled friendly. A1-grade, that is, those that earn the railway a revenue above Rs 60 crore and A-grade including those that earn a revenue of from Rs 8 to 60 crore will be selected. Western Railway (WR) general manager GC Agarwal said, “Right now these stations are identified just a few hours after the budget was announced but things will be added to the list soon and we will know more soon.”
No clarity on fare-hike for suburban
Western Railway (WR) general manager G.C. Agarwal said, “The finance minister has only mentioned the criteria’s under which they will be made but we are not clear what it means for Mumbai suburban.”
Doing away with unmanned LCs
The unmanned Level Crossing (LC) gates will be eliminated from Mumbai suburban said railway officials. D.K. Sharma said, “We will get rid of the three unmanned LC gates. Hopefully they will not be a part of the suburban section soon.”