"Ooty Railway Station Development Under Central Scheme"

In response to recent objections from environmentalists, the Salem division of the Southern Railways clarified on November 1 that the ongoing developmental work at the Ooty railway station is being carried out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a strong focus on preserving the station's heritage value.

According to an official release from the Salem division, the Ooty railway station is set to undergo redevelopment at an estimated cost of INR 7 crore, while the Coonoor railway station will see a redevelopment investment of INR 6.7 crore. The primary objective of these upgrade initiatives is to provide modern amenities to passengers at both stations and enhance their aesthetic appeal through beautification efforts.

Recognizing that the Ooty and Coonoor railway stations are integral parts of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the release emphasizes the importance of offering improved facilities to passengers and tourists. As functional railway stations within this heritage site, enhancing amenities will contribute to an enhanced travel experience, ultimately fostering tourism growth in the Nilgiris.

The release asserts that these provisions will not only elevate the travel experience but also lead to increased popularity of the NMR, its railway stations, and the iconic toy trains. Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Divisional Railway Manager of the Salem division, assured that the redevelopment work at both railway stations will respect and preserve their heritage value, without disturbing the existing structures. The focus will be on renovation to modernize and improve the facilities.

Sinha added, "The railways have obtained approval from the local authorities to develop a car parking facility at the Ooty station." This move aims to enhance convenience for passengers and further facilitate travel in the region.

ET