City railway station set to get swanky look

City railway station set to get swanky look
Plush Interiors, Green Exteriors To Greet Passengers
The Times of India

Bangalore: Lighting like that at Vidhan Soudha, reservation counters akin to those at posh theatres, hotellike AC lounges, Lalbagh’s floral beauty, musical fountains and computerised parking areas. All this and more will soon be part of the city railway station, which is undergoing a major facelift.

Encouraged by the overwhelming response to the air-conditioned lounges that were inaugurated recently, the railways has embarked on the renovation of the building which was established in 1981. The elaborate project, with 20 aspects of focus, will be taken up at a cost of Rs 6 crore.

The project is keeping railway officials on their toes, who along with some prominent developers, are touring the city scouting for ideas to give the station a swanky look. Their search is taking them to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city and several popular hangouts.

“I have asked officials to visit several places and bring back inputs on what changes can be made in the structure to make it look more appealing. All this effort is so that our customers feel that visiting a railway station too can be a fun outing and a building worth appreciating,’’ said South Western Bangalore divisional railway manager (DRM) Mahesh Kumar.

Work on raising the height of platform number 5 and 6 has already begun. So has work on resurfacing, putting up shelters along the entire length of the platforms and installing unmanned ticket kiosks at each platform.

High mast towers, projection lights and a big logo falling on the freshly painted building will give the exterior a new look, while the interiors of the building will be thoroughly renovated as well. Reservation counters will be given a glitzy look. The entrance will have lighted fountains while coloured stones will be laid on the footpath and its pavements.
“We are also increasing the green space at the station, which will have small placard-sized boards with interesting information about our state. These will be informative for tourists and city residents alike, while prominent sign boards with directions to various offices within the station will also be put up,’’ added Kumar.