Page 45 - Construction_Opportunities_April_2026

TICKER TAPE
importance of timely completion and high-quality execution, PHASE I OF DAHISAR RIVER CLEANUP PROJECT
stating that the upgraded station will offer enhanced passenger INAUGURATED BY PIYUSH GOYAL.
comfort with modern amenities. The redevelopment, he said,
aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of transforming stations INFRASTRUCTURE
into world-class infrastructure hubs.
Vaishnaw further revealed that Odisha has received a record
railway budget allocation of `10,928 crore, significantly higher
than previous years, which is expected to accelerate project
execution. He also said that 59 stations across the state are being
redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to make
them more passenger-friendly and equipped with improved
facilities.ctivity, the minister stated that all 30 districts of Odisha
are being brought under the rail network through planned
interventions. He said the initiative aims to ensure inclusive
development and better integration of remote and interior
regions with the mainstream rail system.

STATION UPGRADE AT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CENTRAL
RAILWAY STATION EXPECTED TO BOOST NORTHBOUND
TRAFFIC.
Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station (Kochuveli) is gearing Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently
up for a significant surge in passenger traffic as train operations inaugurated Phase 1 of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation and
are gradually being shifted from Thiruvananthapuram Central Beautification Project in Mumbai, calling the sewage treatment
Railway Station, which is currently undergoing a `439-crore plant (STP) model developed along the river a potential “role
redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. model” for the rest of the country.
With renovation work progressing at the central station, railway Speaking at the inauguration in Dahisar, Goyal said river cleaning
authorities have begun upgrading facilities at Kochuveli to cannot be achieved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
accommodate the expected increase in footfall. alone and stressed the importance of public participation. “The
Among the first additions planned are dormitory facilities, movement to clean the Dahisar river will succeed only when
including separate halls for men and women with fixed beds citizens stop throwing waste into the river,” he said.
operating round the clock at affordable tariffs. These are aimed He added that the project aligns with the Centre’s broader
primarily at families and solo travellers awaiting connecting trains. effort to rejuvenate 350 rivers across India, and said the Dahisar
Additional food courts are also being developed to replace the riverfront could eventually be developed into a tourism and
station’s limited canteen facilities, in anticipation of a higher recreation hub. He also called for desilting, deepening of the
volume of long-distance passengers. river channel and revival of natural water springs along the
Connectivity to Kochuveli has long been a concern, with stretch.
passengers currently relying on infrequent bus services and According to civic officials, Phase 1 of the project includes two
a limited availability of taxis and autorickshaws, especially fully automated sewage treatment plants using membrane
during late-night and early-morning hours. Railway officials bioreactor (MBR) technology — a 1.5 MLD facility at Sukurwadi
said discussions are underway with Kerala State Road Transport in Borivli East and a 5 MLD plant at Indiranagar in Dahisar West.
Corporation (KSRTC) to increase bus services and improve last- The treated water will be reused for non-potable purposes such
mile connectivity around the station. as road cleaning, gardening, construction activities and vehicle
Security arrangements are also being strengthened, with plans washing.
to deploy additional CCTV cameras and increase the presence Officials said the project covers a 4.75-km stretch of the river
of Railway Protection Force personnel ahead of the expected and includes 4.4 km of sewer lines, interceptors to divert sewage
rise in crowd levels. flow, and the development of service roads along the river. The
Despite the planned upgrades, passengers and rail activists initiative is expected to significantly reduce untreated sewage
have pointed to persistent challenges such as inadequate discharge and improve environmental conditions in surrounding
parking, congestion on approach roads, and insufficient waiting areas.
areas, which could strain the station’s capacity to handle traffic Goyal also said the project would help reduce flooding during
comparable to Thiruvananthapuram Central. the monsoon and urged local representatives to ensure regular
Railway sources said more train services are likely to be garbage removal through civic systems. Deputy mayor Sanjay
progressively diverted through Kochuveli as redevelopment work Ghadi appealed to citizens not to litter the river and called
at the central station intensifies, potentially making it one of the for strict action against repeat offenders. Local MLA Manisha
busiest railway hubs in the state during the transition period. Chaudhary said rehabilitation efforts for project-affected persons
“Renovation and expansion are being carried out keeping would be expedited, adding that 1,244 affected families would
passenger safety in mind,”. be provided housing under the project.

APRIL 2026|CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES 45