The Jasidih Railway Station building under Asansol Division of Eastern Railway is being renovated in the form of a replica of the famous Baidyanathdham temple.

Talking to The Statesman today, Mr Prashant Kumar Mishra, divisional railway manager (DRM) of Asansol informed that the renovation and restoration work of Josidih station is going on in full swing at a cost of Rs 25 crores. All the work will be completed by 15 July.

“The month-long Shravani mela will start from 17 July this year. Every year around 1.5 million pilgrims from India and abroad visit the railway station during the Shravani mela. We will provide the Josidih railway station with all airport-like facilities,” the DRM added.

Mr P K Mishra further stated that just like Tirupati station, two-storeyed pilgrim sheds have been put up in which around 4,000 pilgrims can take rest at a time. Work to set up three air-conditioned lounges, five other lounges, mega toilet complex, mega parking facilities, a fourtime increased circulating area, proper lighting facilities, fountains, water bodies, garden, free mineral water supply in each platforms, emergency medical unit, ambulances, doctors’ team, 16 additional ticket booking counters, two watch towers, over 60 CCTV cameras, video enquiry system, control room and other beautification have already been undertaken.

A hundred-feet long ceremonial national flag will also be an additional attraction of this railway station. Besides, food courts and beverage lounges will also be developed. Vertical gardens have also been developed inside the station complex to create a green ambience. Ornamental and decorative lights have also been fitted around the station.

A VIP lounge has been developed at RMS office.The station superintendent’s chamber has been shifted from the platform to create additional space.

Besides, rainwater harvesting arrangements for the entire station along with Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) for drainage and recycling drain and pond water for gardening, and station cleaning work have also been undertaken.

Large display screens at enquiry counters and prominent locations, foolproof crowd control arrangements along with multiple holding area and buffer zone to manage rush are also being looked into. There will be no change in platform after announcement of train arrivals. Additional forces of Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawans and sniffer dog squad will also be posted throughout the Shravani Mela in Jasidih station. Once the project work is finished within 15 July, Jasidih station will become the most modern railway station under Eastern Railway, railway sources claimed.