Tirupati: Tirupati West station has been identified to be developed as a world-class station jointly by the state government and Zonal Railways. An inception report has been sent to the Railway Board and it is under consideration.
According to railway officials, Rs 37 crore has been spent during the last few years to enhance passenger amenities in Tirupati station, which is an important A-1 category station on South Central Railway jurisdiction as it handles 80,000 passengers on an average per day.
Works worth '6 crore are in progress and they include improvements to the concourse, cloak room and provision of additional toilets, air conditioning system for waiting hall and provision of additional entry/exit road from Rayalacheruvu road to the southern side circulating area along with entry arches. The official said that Tirupati is one among the few stations on Indian Railways which has lifts and escalators connecting all the platforms.
This station is also one among the six identified stations on Indian Railway for provision of RO water plant. To strengthen security of the passengers at the station an integrated security system has been provided.
Tirupati station has been identified by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop modern amenities and facilities for pilgrims/ rail users/ passengers.
Meanwhile, works have been completed at 17 stations out of 24 railway stations identified to be developed as Adarsh stations in Andhra Pradesh. The works are in progress in the remaining seven stations.
The selected stations will be upgraded with extensive passenger amenities such as wide circulating area, concourse, waiting halls, toilet facilities, water and proper lighting, improved booking area and the station facade reflecting the local architecture and aesthetics.
Under "Clean Train Station" concept an average of 79 long distance trains are being cleaned at Vijayawada, Guntakal and Renigunta stations. So far 18 escalators have been provided at Vijayawada, Tirupati, Tenali, Nellore, Kurnool Town and Rajahmundry stations and estimates are under preparation for provision of 10 escalators at Gudur, Renigunta, Guntakal, Anakapalle, Ongole and Vijayawada.
To provide quality linen to rail passengers, three mechanised laundries under BOOT model are coming up at Tirupati, Kakinada and Vijayawada shortly, according to a railway press release.
