Upkeep of Prayagraj and Kanpur stations may be given to private hands

Upkeep of Prayagraj and Kanpur stations may be given to private hands

Lucknow,June 27(HS) Private player or players may be given the upkeep of two major railway stations in Uttar Pradesh.These stations are: Prayagraj ( old name,Allahabad) and Kanpur Central,both of whom are important for different reasons.

The Railway Board has not taken the final call in this regard but officials here do not rule out the possibility.

Bids will be invited if the Board greenflags the proposal.It has been made with a view to providing more amenities to the passengers.It is hoped that the private player will provide better amenities like water and fans.The waiting rooms will be cleaner and the sitting arrangements will improve.

Some companies have already approached some top railway officials and expressed desire to do the job.The earnings of the railways will go up if a decision to this effect is taken.

Traffic is heavy at both the stations.A large number of religious tourists in addition to others visit Prayagraj every day.During the Kumbh the number goes sky high.Kanpur is no longer the Manchester of India but it still attracts many for leather and other goods.