SILIGURI JUNCTION GETS NEW-LOOK STATION, HOST OF AMENITIES
Siliguri Town, Naxalbari and Bagdogra get new platforms
Union Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri S. S. Ahluwalia dedicated the new-look Siliguri Junction station to the nation at a ceremonial function held at the station today. 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...
more... an approximate cost of Rs. 2.6 crore to the nation. The function was attended by Shri Tapas Sarkar, Sabhadhipati, Siliguri Mahakuma Parisad, Councilors Smt Malati Roy and Khusbu Mittal apart from senior Railway Officials led by Divisional Railway Manager of Katihar Division Shri C P Gupta and hundreds of enthusiastic audience.
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 Shri Jawahar Ray, the senior-most lollie and Mrs Godavari, the senior-most female Safaiwala respectively.
Speaking at the ceremonial function Shri Ahluwalia said all efforts would be made to fulfil 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. Earlier, the Divisional Railway Manager of Katihar Division, Shri C. P. Gupta welcomed the guests at the function.
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.
One minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs of the recent terrorist attack at Jammu & Kashmir by all present in the function. Later, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager of Katihar Division, Shri P. P. Roy Offered vote of thanks.
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