Railway stations in twin cities to get fillip

DHARWAD: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave cheer to the residents of Hubballi-Dharwad by announcing the development of the railway stations in the twin cities.
The finance minsiter has stated that the Dharwad railway station will be renovated like an airport lounge. The work has already begun and the FM has allocated Rs 18 crore for the purpose. The renovation will include construction of a passengers' lounge, escalator between platforms, parking space, wifi among others.
The space in the railway station is small and hence the railway department is proposing to expand the station by using the space in front of the station and also the Nilgiri plantation area owned by the department.
Union minister and MP Prahlad Joshi had inaugurated the works in 2018. Former member of Railway Consultative Committee Prahlad Narsapur welcomed the proposal to make the Hubballi Railway station eco-friendly and develop the Dharwad station. He said it will ensure introduction of solar energy and battery-operated cars in the station.
Narsapur hoped that many pending works in South Western Railway zone can be completed as the FM has given importance for development of railway facilities and allocated funds for SWR too.
The rail passengers said they were relieved as there is no hike in passenger fares. “It is heartening to note that electric trains will be introduced in SWR zone by 2022. Funds have been allocated for doubling of 2,600 kms of tracks. Increasing the speed of the trains is a welcome development," Narsapur said.