GUWAHATI: Union Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, S. S. Ahluwalia dedicated the new-look Siliguri Railway Junction to the nation at a ceremonial function held at the station on Thursday.
The station has been provided a new facade, improved circulating area and entrance, a new platform and other passenger amenities under the Soft Upgradation scheme of Indian Railways.
The Minister also dedicated the new platforms of Siliguri Town, Naxalbari and Bagdogra stations constructed at an approximate cost of Rs. 2.6 crore to the nation in presence senior civil and railway officials.
It may be mentioned that Indian Railway has embarked upon a scheme of improving existing stations through improvement of look and amenities at a cost of Rs.5-15 crore for each station. Under the scheme, Siliguri Junction and Alipurduar Junction stations have been taken up for improvements in the 1st phase.
The Soft Upgradation of Siliguri Junction station will cost approximately Rs. 7.6 crore. A new Foot Over Bridge with passenger lift and a new parking area is also being planned at the station.
In a departure from practice and in an effort to recognize the contribution of all railway employees in the developmental process of the railways, a new platform and a foot over bridge of Siliguri Town station constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 1.2 crore was inaugurated by Jawahar Ray, the senior-most lollie and Mrs Godavari, the senior-most female Safaiwala respectively.
Ahluwalia said all efforts would be made to fulfill demands of the people of Siliguri and adjoining areas including starting Dajeeling Mail from Siliguri Junction station, running of Jan Shatabdi Express trains to Gorakhpur, Patna and Kolkata etc.
He said, possibility of running local trains between Siliguri and Barsoi can be examined now as the development of the station would make it possible to introduce of new trains. He also assured the Shop owners presently occupying railway land at the station that they would be provided alternative arrangements.