Heritage wing clashes with Railways' modernisation drive
The heritage wing of the Indian Railways has objected to the ongoing renovation and expansion of about 350 stations across the country by the Rail Ministry.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: The heritage wing of the Indian Railways has objected to the ongoing renovation and expansion of about 350 stations across the country by the Rail Ministry.
"While carrying out repairs and alterations in the name of facelift, improving looks or renovations, the irreversible and undesirable changes have been made in some of our station buildings," the directorate has pointed out to the Railway Board in a recent letter.
The letter pointed out that materials such as granite, tiles, plaster, paint have been used while renovating the heritage station buildings and in some cases stone, brick, wooden structures have been damaged irreversibly by unnecessary use of paint and old mosaic floors of striking appeal has been replaced with tiles.
While the Railways has identified 22 railway stations for development as world class stations through public-private partnership mode, renovation and modernisation work is being carried out in 334 stations currently.
According to the heritage directorate, custodian of the Railway's heritage buildings, majority of railway stations and buildings were constructed almost 100 years ago. Therefore, they are all now heritage properties.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Executive Director, Railway Board (heritage) told the media, "Railways is the largest custodian of heritage properties in the country and we have more heritage structures than ASI. Majority of our stations were constructed 100 years ago. These structures are also cultural statements representing the respective locations. There is a lasting legacy to it."
"While carrying out repairs and alterations in the name of facelift, improving looks or renovations, the irreversible and undesirable changes have been made in some of our station buildings," the directorate has pointed out to the Railway Board in a recent letter.
The letter pointed out that materials such as granite, tiles, plaster, paint have been used while renovating the heritage station buildings and in some cases stone, brick, wooden structures have been damaged irreversibly by unnecessary use of paint and old mosaic floors of striking appeal has been replaced with tiles.
While the Railways has identified 22 railway stations for development as world class stations through public-private partnership mode, renovation and modernisation work is being carried out in 334 stations currently.
According to the heritage directorate, custodian of the Railway's heritage buildings, majority of railway stations and buildings were constructed almost 100 years ago. Therefore, they are all now heritage properties.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Executive Director, Railway Board (heritage) told the media, "Railways is the largest custodian of heritage properties in the country and we have more heritage structures than ASI. Majority of our stations were constructed 100 years ago. These structures are also cultural statements representing the respective locations. There is a lasting legacy to it."
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