Indian Railways To Develop 64 Multi-Function Stations

[jayanthi mandhalapu]

Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee told that 64 locations have been identified by the railways to be used for the development of "multi-function" stations.

"The expert committee on railway land usage, chaired by Dr. Amit Mitra, has given its report, and in the first phase, has identified 64 railways stations to be developed as multi-function stations," the minister told the media.

Some of the features of these stations which are being flaunted are internet facilities, medicine shops, food outlets, budget hotels, health care facilities, shopping space etc.

She has also mentioned that these stations will come up in three stages with 12 in the first stage, 20 in the second with remaining in the final phase.

The railways have already signed an agreement with IRCON for this purpose.

"We have set a 180-day timeline for the first stage of 12 stations. Land has been acquired for these 12 stations and construction work will start by end of October or early November," Mitra said.

A strict deadline has been developed to ensure the timely completion of these projects.