In a survey commissioned by the Railway Ministry about three months ago, the Ghaziabad railway station was found to be the dirtiest among all railway stations in Delhi-NCR. The old railway station, however, is set for a revamp and promises to offer facilities similar to those found in the premium railway stations in Delhi.
A survey conducted by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which came out in March this year, Ghaziabad railway station was ranked at 311 — among the dirtiest in the country.
“Ghaziabad is one of the oldest stations in Delhi-NCR and sees a lot of freight and passenger train traffic. With so much traffic and limited space for expansion, refurbishing the railway station completely is a challenge,” said a senior railway official who didn't wish to be named. “Also, encroachments outside the station adds to the lack of cleanliness,” the official said.
Things, however, finally seems to be looking up for Ghaziabad railway station. Four of the platforms at the railway station have now coach guidance systems to help out passengers, water vending machines, solar pumps and better flooring. In the offing are escalators, elevators and other amenities for passengers, the work for which has started.
“The Ghaziabad railway station is going to be at par with the New Delhi railway station,” claimed Arun Arora, Divisional Railway Manager, Delhi. “It is getting escalators, elevators, water vending machines, better platforms, coach guidance system and solar pumps, many of which have already been installed,” he said.
New facilities inaugurated
The newly installed coach guidance system to facilitate passengers about coach position at platform number 1,2,3 and 4 at the railway station, water vending machine and solar pumps were inaugurated on Wednesday. Foundation stones for four escalators, three elevators and LED lights were also laid. The railway station has also witnessed red stone cladding, wall paneling, plastering, flooring at station building and improvement to the circulating area including singages in recent times.
Ghaziabad railway station was found to be the dirtiest among all railway stations
in Delhi-NCR
