Railways to develop 578 stations as 'model stations'

New Delhi, July 28 (UNI) As part of its plans to upgrade passenger amenities, the Railways has designated 578 stations as ''model stations'', out of which 110 stations have already been fully developed under this category, the government today said.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said that of the 578 stations nominated as 'model stations', 327 were nominated prior to the presentation of the Railway Budget 2006-07.

Mr Velu said as per the budget announcements, all 'A' and 'B' stations have been selected as model stations. The 327 stations which were declared as model stations prior to this year's budget would be developed by March 2008, he added.

While presenting the Railway Budget, 1999-2000, the then railway Minister had declared that all efforts would be made to make at least one station in each division as 'model station' where higher level of passenger amenities would be provided.

Consequently, 61 stations were initially selected as model stations. Later, additions were made to the list from time to time.

Giving the break-up of the 110 developed model stations so far, he said the Southern Zone accounts for the maximum with 16, including Calicut, camnanore, Chennai Central, Quilon, Chennai Beach, Mangalore, Chennai Egmore and Madurai.

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