Rly stations to be upgraded to meet intl standards: Velu

Mysore, Aug 12 (UNI) Minister of State for Railways R Velu today announced that as part of the on-going modernisation of the Indian railways, stations in all metros and other important stations would be upgraded on par with international standards.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the upgradation work would be taken up soon.

He said Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and he had decided to give a facelift to the Indian Railways after visiting several countries and studying the railway models there.

Stating that it had been decided to modernise 337 stations across the country, he said general managers had been asked to identify five stations in their respective zones to convert into model stations.

He informed that Rs 356 crore had been allocated for passengers amenities.

He said the department had decided to outsource cleaning work of stations to ensure that it was done in an effective manner at a reduced cost.

The Minister announced that the Railways had generated a surplus revenue of Rs 11,000 crore during the year and it was expected to touch Rs 29,000 crore the next year. Best management procedures would be adopted to overcome all defects in the system, he added.

Mr Velu said a master plan had been drawn up to take up 260 projects in various sectors of the Railways at a cost of Rs 66,000 crore. These projects would be taken up in a phased manner.

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