Lucknow: A new
railway terminus in the city at
Gomtinagar came closer to reality with
Lucknow Development Authority transferring 38 acres land to railways. This would be the second terminus in Lucknow after
Charbagh (independent station) where trains begin from and terminate. The project has been pending since long for want of land.
Centre had announced to develop Gomtinagar as a world class railway terminus in the 2014-15 Railway budget.
In 2015-16, Rs 109 crore were allocated for the project which helped railways buy the land from
LDA.
"Railways received letter from LDA last week to get the registration done. The department got possession long back, around 2001 after partial payment. But now it has been able to pay Rs 18 crore through funds received from the Centre. We will also be able to pay registration amount to LDA in order to begin construction soon," said officials. Railway officials also confirmed having received letter from LDA.
During his June 10 visit to Charbagh, Union railway minister
Suresh Prabhu had announced construction work for the terminus will begin within two months.
The
National Building Construction Corporation , a public sector undertaking, has agreed to develop the terminus. Officials said land transfer was the main reason for delay. The new terminus will reduce load at Charbagh and will have facilities of sufficient parking, drinking water, toilets, restaurants, rest rooms, etc.
Trains of both Northern and
North Eastern Railway will run from Gomtinagar. It is expected to be boarding station for some trains to Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu.