SECR to upgrade select stations

Retiring rooms and the dormitories in three important railway stations in the South East Central Railway (SECR) will be upgraded under the Public Private Participation (PPP).

"The SECR has prepared a comprehensive plan and will soon invite proposals from experienced hoteliers to upgrade the retiring rooms and dormitories with modern amenities," spokesperson of SECR said. The project will be taken up under PPP, he added.

The three stations identified for the project are Raipur, Bilaspur, and Durg. The companies taking up the project should be financially sound and experienced. "The companies willing to execute the work shall have a turn over of Rs 50 lakh in last three financial years," the spokesperson said. 

Sources said that the railways had proposed to upgrade about 2000 retiring rooms across the country through PPP. The project includes improved furnishings, attractive designs and modern amenities in the retiring rooms and dormitories to ensure better facilities to the passengers.

Under the project, room service would be provided for tea, coffee, breakfast, standard meals and Rail Neer (water) at the rate approved by the ministry of railways. The railways will also ensure that the food items supplied to the passengers are as per the norms set for quality, quantity and hygiene. 

The passengers could also avail the facility of local tour arranged through authorised travel agent, medical attention in case of emergency, and Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD), Internet facilities.