The ministry of home affairs (MHA) in the final clearance for the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 has clarified to the railways that the re-development and beautification of Chandigarh railway station would be done in accordance with the UT administration.
The development is significant, as UT administration and railway authorities were so far not on the same page when it came to finalising the expansion plans.
Meanwhile, the master plan is expected to get notified this week after final clearance by the legal department. The legal department is framing the notification, which is expected to be finalised within this week.
Giving details, sources in the administration claimed that the railway authorities had chalked out a detailed plan and had proposed whole lot of commercial activities, such as shopping complexes.
The sources in the administration said the MHA had clarified that development of the railway station would be done after taking the administration in confidence. The railway authorities can go ahead with the plans of introducing commercial activities, but in accordance with prevailing norms, regulations and policies of the UT administration.
As per the draft plan the station will have two floors, on the first floor there will be a waiting room for passengers. The main building and circulating area will be converted into a multi-storey complex. Facilities such as escalators, wide foot overbridges, mechanised parcel handling, entry and exit points at different grids have also been proposed at the station. Though the plan was drafted, but to carry out construction, final approval from the Chandigarh administration would be required.
As per the world-class proposal to separate the commercial and passenger area, a green patch with landscaping will be developed at the station.
As per the draft plan the station will have two floors, on the first floor there will be a waiting room for passengers. The main building and circulating area will be converted into a multi-storey complex. Facilities such as escalators, wide foot overbridges, mechanised parcel handling, entry and exit points at different grids have also been proposed at the station. Though the plan was drafted, but to carry out construction, final approval from the Chandigarh administration would be required.
As per the world-class proposal to separate the commercial and passenger area, a green patch with landscaping will be developed at the station.
Entry points of city to be beautified
The administration has also decided to beautify the entry points of the city. For the purpose, it is also considering getting private players. Beautification of the city from the airport side, railway station, Mullanpur and from Sector 39 is being worked out. For this, budget is also being earmarked.