400 railway stations to get Rs.100 crore makeover

If Indian Railway Ministry sources can be believed, the government will spend nearly Rs.100 crore to develop 400 railway stations that were announced in the Railway Budget. India´s railway stations, defined by surly staff, cheap tea, and filth carefully hidden in corners are set to become glossy, clean, and like airports. Stations will have their own helipads, executive lounges, terminals for arrivals and departures. ´The proposed world-class stations will have three levels. The top level will be used by outbound passengers, while those arriving by trains will use subways in the basement to exit from the station buildings,´ said an official.SNCF, the French national railway company, is helping develop stations at Ambala and Ludhiana, and also ´inspecting´ the New Delhi railway station. Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria might also pitch in with their expertise.