Railways to develop Udhna junction

Surat, Apr 18 (UNI) With a view to reduce the rush at Surat station, the Western Railway authorities are considering a plan to develop Udhna railway station here as a major terminal, spending around Rs 25 crore, Railway sources informed today.

A high level team of railway officials along with Minister of State for Railways, Narayan Rathwa visited Surat and Udhna railway stations here yesterday, to make an assessment in this regard.

The minister was here to inaugurate luxurious railway waiting room at Surat station.

Udhna station, situated 5 km away from Surat, is at present a small junction point where lines coming from Mumbai and Bhusawal (Tapti line) join.

The scope for developing the century-old Surat station is almost saturated and development of Udhna junction would help the travellers going towards Mumbai and Bhusawal. The new development project for Udhna station will include coach maintenance facilities, washing footline and various passengers amenities, sources said.

A report to outline the comprehensive development plan for Udhna station will be prepared and presented to the Railway Board in September and an allocation will be made in 2008 railway budget, sources added.

UNI