Amenities at Delhi railway stations to improve

NEW DELHI: Railway stations in the capital, primarily New Delhi and Old Delhi, could see some improvement in passenger amenities over the next few months with additional budget allocation, besides upgradation work at National Rail Museum getting a boost. Work on a fifth and sixth line between New Delhi and Tilak Bridge has also been allotted additional funds.

However, there no allocations for any new project under the Delhi division in this year’s interim Budget. “These will be undertaken only when a new government takes charge after the elections. Allocation for the Delhi division has been made only for old projects,” said R N Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Delhi Division.

An amount of Rs 8.5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh has been sanctioned for improvement works at New Delhi and Old Delhi stations, respectively, while additional costs for escalators and improvement of platform surfaces have also been made. The interim Budget also sanctioned funds for the extension of platforms on the Ring Railway route. Also, a new line will be constructed between Delhi and Alwar, stretching over 104 km.

A centre for railway information system will come up in Chanakyapuri with a sanctioned cost of Rs 20 lakhs while modernisation and works at the National Rail Museum will cost over Rs 60 lakhs. “Steel girders will be replaced with concrete slabs on the Delhi-Rewari stretch. Additional funds have been sanctioned to build a new bridge over the Yamuna between Delhi and Shahdara,” said Singh, adding that the total amount sanctioned for Delhi projects was still being calculated.

The interim Budget has also allotted money for additional lines between Sabzi Mandi and Old Delhi while extension of loop lines will be undertaken for 17 stations in the capital, said an official.