NJP station upgradation works in full swing: NFR

Guwahati, March 15 (MExN): The upgradation works of converting New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) into a “world class multi-modal transportation hub” is in full swing, an official release informed. 

The NJP station was among the 204 stations identified by the Union Ministry of Railways for up gradation or modernisation plan under various developmental schemes. 

Demolishing work of the old structures including front retail areas and offices etc. in main station building have been started to get the site ready for commencing civil construction works as planned, informed the release from the NFR CPRO. 

The foundation work of the Arrival 1 terminal is going on in full swing and works for Arrival 2 & Departure terminal will start soon, it said. 

Accordingly, the UTS cum PRS counters have been shifted to a new location at Ramnagar Colony Road near the Rest House of Railway Electrification.

As the upgradation work progresses, the existing parking area, parcel and RMS offices will also be shifted to new locations soon, it added. 

Once completed, the NJP station will have  ultra-modern amenities like large covered parking area, 24X7 power backup, drinking water, air-conditioned lobby, offices, shops, high speed escalator, lift, Air concourse, hotels etc. to provide passengers the airport-like feel & comfort at the same time, the release maintained. 

There will be complete segregation between arriving and departing passengers and once completed, the station would be ready to handle passenger footfall of more than 70000 per day from 36000 per day at present, it added.

 The approximate estimated cost of the entire work of upgrading the NJP station, one of the largest as well as busiest railway stations  under the NFR, is Rs 334.72 crore, the release added. 

The project of up gradation is targeted to be completed by 2025.