Newly opened Manduadih railway station in Varanasi
The Manduadih railway station in Uttar Pradesh looks less like a railway station and more like an airport terminal.
The newly-revamped railway station is of world-class level - it can easily be mistaken for a swanky corporate office.
Not only does the infrastructure of the station make the Manduadih railway station class apart, but also all its various passenger-friendly amenities.
These new facilities provided by Indian Railways include LED lights, air-conditioned waiting lounge, and stainless steel benches.
Fountains have also been set up to beautify the circulating areas which now has a spacious waiting area, circulating area, booking/reservation office, cafeteria, food court, waiting rooms and more.
The station also has AC lounge, AC and non-AC retiring rooms as well as dormitories. The architecture in the station premises reflects the spirit of Kashi. The platforms are clean and shining with LED lights and LCD display panels.
The premises are well lit with LED lights and also provide clean surrounding.
This station will not only provide a world-class international standard facility to the passengers but, it will also offer employment to the people of Varanasi.
The Manduadih railway station has eight platforms and currently, eight trains originate from the station.
According to the reports, the Modi government plans to rename the revamped Manduadih station as 'Banaras' railway station.
Former Union Minister for railways Manoj Sinha had written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath requesting him to consider the renaming of the station.
"The name Manduadih does not sound good and does not connect with the legacy of Banaras," a railway official of Varanasi division was quoted as saying.
The matter, however, did not reach its logical conclusion since elections were announced shortly after the new railway station was completed.
Varanasi, also called Banaras and Kashi, is the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA came to power, the historic city of Varanasi has come alive as massive development projects have been sanctioned to the city, one of the most important religious and revered sites for Hindus.
