Patna: The railway ministry has approved Rs 20 crore each for Patna Junction and Patliputra Junction for their upgrade and beautification.

The work includes giving a modern look to both stations apart from starting escalator service. At present, two escalators are already functional at platform number 10 of Patna Junction. One more would be added on platform number 1 at Patna Junction and another at platform number 10.

Similarly, two new escalators will come up at Patliputra Junction. Both stations would have their front facade look based on the theme of Buddhaand the station premises will be decked up. Patna Junction will be decked up with Mithila painting. "Both the station would be upgraded at a cost of Rs 20 crore each and the railway ministry has sanctioned the money. The upgrade includes escalators, lifts, food plaza, foot over bridges and change of the front façade. Everything would be done out of Rs 40 crore which we have received from the railway ministry," Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Danapur divisional railway manager (DRM) said.

Thakur said he has sent the proposal to the railway regarding the changes and upgrade which would be carried out and added that the final approval will come within a day or two to go ahead with the work. He said the work will be completed this calendar year.

"We have made rough plans and it will be improved later. What we are proposing is that the local architecture should reflect Buddhism. So we are trying to propose things which will reflect the main theme and the cultural heritage of the city," Thakur said.

The Danapur DRM pointed out that Patna Junction was already developed and there was no requirement of more foot over bridges. However, the Patliputra Junction requires more foot over bridges.

There is no escalator or elevator at Patliputra Junction. Both will come up at the station apart from one foot over bridge and extra platform.

"We will have two escalators at Patliputra station immediately and a third is proposed as per the requirement. Similarly, an extra foot over bridge will bring relief to the passengers. We are focusing more on Patliputra Junction because nothing much has happened there whereas Patna is a developed junction," Thakur stressed.

The escalator would be great help for senior citizens and differently abled persons. Similarly, the foot over bridge would be equally beneficial for the passengers.

"We have also proposed one more platform with one railway track. A plan for one lift is also there at Patliputra Junction. We will also improve the front area with Buddhism and a modern empire look. We will also develop a food plaza in the circulating area," Thakur said.