The Indian Railways has undertaken redevelopment of the Ayodhya railway station. The station will be developed in two phases.
Phase-I of the project is set to be completed by the end of 2022. The project is expected to boost religious tourism in the state.
The Northern Railway (NR) general manager Ashutosh Gangal inspected the under-construction work of the station and other projects of Lucknow division.
A double-storied building, mela shed, circulating area, two foot overbridges, dormitory, infirmary, escalators, elevators, food court, air-conditioned retiring rooms, LED billboards, furnished quarters for railway staff and other facilities are being readied in Phase-I.
Phase-II will see a large waiting and parking area for pilgrims in the southern part of the railway station. It will be developed after acquiring land from the state government. Sanctioning of funds is yet to be approved.
After the completion of Phase-I, the station will be able to cater to 25,000 passengers on peak days.
The GM also inspected track doubling between Barabanki and Ayodhya Cantt stations. The track is expected to be completed by December 2023.
The route will be extended up to Jaunpur station. Lucknow division has also mooted a proposal for third and fourth track between Malhaur and Barabanki.