Lok Sabha Question No. 223 (STARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Modernisation of Railway Stations in Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 223

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## MODERNISATION OF RAILWAY STATIONS IN KERALA

- *223.  SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  modernise  and  enhance amenities at various railway stations in Kerala including Chengannur,  a  prominent  railway  station  that  is  the  hub  for pilgrims/devotees of Sabarimala Dharma Sastha temple in Kerala;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof along with the allocations, if any, made by the Government in this regard; and
- (c)    whether  the  Government  has  received  any  request  or  proposal from the Government of Kerala in this regard and if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c):  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  STARRED QUESTION NO. 223 BY SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.08.2021 REGARDING MODERNISATION OF RAILWAY STATIONS IN KERALA (a) & (b):  Modernisation/upgradation  of  Railway  stations  is  a  continuous  and on-going process and are undertaken under various schemes from time to time. At present, development of Railway stations is undertaken under Adarsh Station scheme  based  on  identified  need  of  providing  better  enhanced  passenger amenities  at  stations.  Various  passenger  amenities  such  as  improvement  to façade  of  the  station building,  retiring  room,  waiting  room  (with  bathing facilities),  separate  waiting  room  for  ladies,  computer  based  public  address system,  landscaping  of  circulating  area,  signages,  Pay  &  Use  toilets,  water coolers,  ramps  at  entry  to  station  for  Divyangjan  and  Senior  Citizens  etc.  are provided at Railway stations identified and developed under the 'Adarsh' station scheme depending upon the respective category of the station. In the State of Kerala,  77  stations,  including  Chengannur  station,  have  been  identified  for development under this scheme.

Chengannur is a Non-Suburban Grade (NSG)-3 category station. In addition to provision of Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) at this station as per norms, the station has also been developed/modernized under Model, Modern and Adarsh Station  Schemes.  The  station  being  the  hub  for  sabarimala  pilgrims,  a  pilgrim shelter with sufficient facilities like  bathroom complex with 33 toilets, renovated waiting rooms are provided for the convenience of Pilgrims. Morover, during the pilgrim  season,  additional  facilities  like  information  centre,  Medical  Help  Desk, Tourist Information Centre, Public Transport facility within station premises etc. are provided.

The allocation/expenditure on works of modernization/upgradation/augmentation  of  railway  stations  is  generally funded under Plan Head-53 'Passenger Amenities'. The details of allocation and expenditure for development and maintenance of stations are maintained zonal Railway-wise and not State-wise. There is only 01 zone, namely, Southern Railway, which caters to the State of Kerala. The budget allocated under Plan Head- 53 'Passenger Amenities' during the last three years and the current year for Southern Railway is as under:-

(Figures in crores)

|   S.No. | Year    | Budget Allocation   |
|---------|---------|---------------------|
|       1 | 2018-19 | 108.47              |
|       2 |         | 2019-20 111.55      |
|       3 | 2020-21 | 213.11              |
|       4 | 2021-22 | 224.57              |

(c)  Representation  of  Government  of  Kerala  has  been  received  to  improve  the physical  infrastructure  like  waiting  hall,  lighting  etc.  available  at  Dharmadam Halt station. Dharmadam is a Halt Grade (HG) - 3 category station and essential amenities like waiting hall, drinking water (taps), shady trees, seating arrangements are available at this station as per norms. However, upgradation of amenities at stations is a continuous process subject to availability of funds and inter-se priority of works.

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