We're gearing up for Commonwealth Games: DRM

If everything goes well as per the plans of North Western Railway, Jaipur railway station would soon be offering facilities at par with the best stations in the country. An air-conditioned VIP lounge, ATMs, well-lit parking and surroundings, escalators, lifts and a touch screen enquiry system are being developed.

As part of its core plans for the Commonwealth Games, many improvements have been suggested, including a second entrance to the railway station from Hasanpura side, retiring and waiting rooms with bathing facilities, escalators and National Train Enquiry System (NTES), among others.

A rock garden with a fountain is being constructed at the entrance and its concept lighting would display the cultural heritage of Pink City. Apart from this, a wonderful painting depicting the royal touch of the state has already been covering the walls of the waiting room.

Divisional railway manager, North Western Railway (NWR), G R Agarwal said the projects were going on at good pace and the railway is hopeful of offering best facilities to the visitors during Commonwealth Games.

"We conducted a detailed survey to identify the requirements at the entrance, platforms and other commuter-friendly facilities. A detailed inspection was also carried out at platforms, passenger facilitation centres, waiting rooms and refreshment centres, among other places of public use," he said. The work started soon after the announcement by railway minister Mamata Banerjee in the budget to develop Jaipur as a world-class railway station.

Lifts would be installed at the station by March 31 but the installation of escalators might take some time though. It would be done before the Games. "We have sanction for four escalators, two of which would be installed at the booking office side and two at platforms," he said. Most of the work in the station premises, like improvement of parking lot, roads etc, have been done.