Tirupati railway station gets IGBC gold rating

Tirupati: The railway station at the pilgrim city got recognition for providing better amenities and services to the passengers by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Amaravati. The gold rating certificate for national excellence and memento were presented to the Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal, South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager Gajanan Mallya and Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vijay Prathap Singh by the representatives of IGBC and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Goyal stated that such awards help improve competitiveness and better services in railways. By securing 71 points in maintaining various passenger amenities, lifts, waiting halls, cleanliness, power and water consumption, green innovation and smart development, the station has bagged the award.

AP Minister of Industries M Goutham Reddy, IGBC-Amaravati chapter Chairman M Vijaya Sai and Executive Director KN Venkatagiri were present on the occasion. Later, the Union Minister made surprise visit to Tirupati railway station and reviewed its redevelopment works with SCR GM, DRM and other officials.

He went around the entire station and inspected the ongoing works with Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) officials. He enquired about the status of developmental plans at the south side where the major portion of redevelopment has to take place and instructed them to expedite the process of executing the approved plans.

It may be recalled that the station redevelopment works with a budget of Rs 400 crore were about to take off once the tendering process is completed after which the station will become a world-class station.

The Minister suggested officials to construct a multi-storied complex on the main entrance side to provide additional facilities to pilgrim traffic visiting the abode of Lord Venkateswara. He inspected foot over bridge, waiting halls on platform number one, IRCTC maintained catering outlet where he checked the quality of food and Athithi AC premium lounge and enquired the passengers about the facilities.

Goyal took everyone by surprise by talking to Safai Karmacharis working at the station and complimented their efforts in keeping the station premises clean and hygienic condition. Tirupati Station Area Officer S Nagaramana Sarma, Station Manger K Rajendra Prasad, former Station Director K Satyanarayana and other officials were present.