In order to provide better enhanced passenger amenities, the Railways is upgrading /modernising 46 stations in Odisha under the Adarsh Station Scheme, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
In a statement, Vaishnaw said, “Presently, Railway stations are upgraded/modernized under Adarsh Station Scheme based on identified need of providing better enhanced passenger amenities at stations. In all, 46 Stations were identified for upgradation under Adarsh Station Scheme in the State of Odisha. All these 46 stations have been developed under the Adarsh Station Scheme.”
The Minister was replying to a question raised by BJD MP Sasmit Patra on the details of steps being undertaken to upgrade railway stations in Odisha.
“Further upgradation/beautification of stations on Indian Railways is a continuous and on-going process and works in this regard are undertaken as per requirement, subject to inter-se priority and availability of funds. However, priority for upgradation/ modernization of stations is accorded to higher category of station over lower category of station while sanctioning and executing the work,” the Minister said.
On the expenditure being incurred in undertaking these upgradations, Vaishnaw said, “The details of allocation and expenditure for development and maintenance of stations are maintained zonal Railway-wise and not station-wise or state-wise.”
“Passenger amenities are generally funded under Plan Head – 53 ‘Passenger Amenities’. There are 03 zones, namely, South Eastern Railway, South East Central Railway and East Coast Railway, which cater to the State of Odisha,” he added.
As per the details shared by the Union Minister, a total fund of Rs 296.34 crore has been allocated to Odisha during 2021-22 financial year for development of the railway stations. Of the total allocation, Rs 192.06 crore has been spent so far.