Railway Board has assigned Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) with task to redevelop five major stations falling under the East Central Railway (ECR) into world-class stations. These stations are Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Begusarai and Singrauli.
According to ECR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Rajesh Kumar, these stations will be redeveloped under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Railways will develop these stations from commercial point of view. Restaurants, shopping areas and food plaza will be developed to help railways earn more revenue, he said.
As per the blueprint, railways has decided to develop these stations on the pattern of an airport, providing separate space and concourse for the exit and entry of passengers. Each platform is to be provided with escalator and ATM facilities. Besides, there will be no movement of parcel luggage trolleys on platforms, he said. The parking areas of these stations are to be linked directly to platforms.
Railways will also have a hotel for passengers while there will be a separate booth for the medical assistance in emergency. Internet, well furnished waiting rooms and lounges, washrooms and cafeteria are the parts of the plan, Kumar said.
According to sources, the old railway plan to create world-class stations has been dovetailed with the new plan to improve passenger amenities for commercial purposes.