The existing Anand Vihar and Bjiwasan rail stations are set for a major revamp, with separate arrival and departure terminals at both the stations. Work on these stations by the Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) is likely to begin early next year, and will be executed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Along with redevelopment of the platforms, circulating area and upgraded passenger amenities, Railways would also undertake the development of commercial spaces and lounges for the ease of passengers. Arun Arora, Divisional Railway Manager, Delhi, said, “The development of these stations would be under the PPP model with the IRSDC and an RFQ (Request for Quote) in this regard has already been floated. As soon as other formalities are completed, work will begin.”
With redevelopment and modernisation of Anand Vihar and Bijwasan stations, they are expected to become major transit hubs in Delhi. The Anand Vihar station is located near a major bus terminus and the nearby Metro station would facilitate seamless movement of passengers, while the Bijwasan station being located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport would also improve connectivity for passengers.
Sources said that the New Delhi station, which handles about 300 trains, including mail, express and freight trains, and about 4-5 lakh passengers daily, is also being looked into for major redevelopment. Several foreign delegations have visited the station recently to take stock of the possibility for redevelopment work here.
Minor upgradation work is already being carried out at the New Delhi station. Platforms at the New Delhi station have been provided with several water vending machines to serve commuters filtered water.
“We have also installed an automatic system for controlling the light and fan arrangements through GPRS on all the platforms. CCTV cameras are being installed at all blind spots. New escalators have also been installed and more are being installed. We are also working with the DMRC to connect the Delhi Metro with the Railways and build a skywalk. We are aiming for an MoU with DMRC for a joint ticketing system along with the Metro for seamless integration and movement on the two systems,” Arora said.
The Delhi Division, during the “Rail Humsafaar Saptaah” which ended last week, also inaugurated the beautified Narela railway station where volunteer artists from the Delhi Street Art group have painted murals on the walls and ceilings.
“The old heritage building of the station is also being converted into a passenger lounge by restoring its ancient walls and wood-crafted ceiling for which the foundation stone has been laid by local MP Udit Raj,” Arora said.