Facelift for 50 stations in metros, mini metros via PPP

New railway minister Mamata Banerjee said around 50 stations will be developed into world-class stations with international-level facilities.

Banerjee said, "These will be developed, through innovative financing and in public private partnership (PPP) mode." Stations which would undergo a facelift include the ones in the four metros, mini metros like Pune, Ahmedabad and Lucknow, along with some tourist destinations like Mathura, Arga, Puri and Tirupati.

While unveiling the budget last year, Prasad had said that the stations at New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Patna and Secunderabad would be made into world-class through PPP during 2008-09. However, the project made very little headway during the year.

Another 375 stations will be developed as 'Adarsh Stations' during 2009-10 which will ensure that they provide basic facilities like drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services and waiting rooms.

"The Indian Railways has already identified 309 stations to be developed across the country," she said adding that MPs from both the houses can suggest rest of the stations on the list. She said for the physically disabled, standard ramps, earmarked parking lots, specially designed coaches in each mail and express train, lifts and escalators would be provided in a phased manner.

Railways would also develop multi-functional complexes within the station premises at 50 stations which are tourist, pilgrimage and industry hubs, to be constructed by rail PSUs.