The luggage scanner that will start working by January-end. Picture by Manob Chowdhary

He also said the second entry would have four new ticket counters. The existing main entrance has 12 counters.

Kamlesh Singh, proprietor of Prakash Constructions, a private firm executing the infrastructure work, added the hall attached to the ticket counters at the station’s original entrance would undergo a complete makeover.

“Also, the entire station would get a false ceiling with LED lights as part of beautification. The second entrance to the station entails an investment of Rs 2.5 crore. Another Rs 9 crore has been sanctioned for beautification and parking renovation,” Singh said.

Railway PRO Lohatare added that the parking area near the main entrance was being extended to accommodate double the number of vehicles. “A portion of SERSA Ground is being utilised for the elaborate parking area. A rough estimate suggests that the renovated parking lot will be able to accommodate around 200 cars and over 300 bikes and other two-wheelers,” he said.

As dispute over the land for parking with a local Puja committee has been resolved recently, the new parking slot is likely to become operational by March this year.

To enhance station security, Ranchi railway division has recently installed a state-of-the-art X-ray baggage scanner at the entrance. Sources said the baggage scanner worth Rs 22 lakh would be made operational by this month-end.

Ranchi station sees a footfall of over 20,000 passengers daily with around 40 pairs of passenger trains originating and passing through it.

A spacious parking lot, a second entrance with ticket booking counters, a new facade and many more, the A-category Ranchi railway station will soon boast facilities that befit its status as a state capital gateway.

The Ranchi railway division of South Eastern Railway (SER) is working on a massive station re-development plan costing Rs 11.5 crore, which apart from adding new infrastructure to give passengers more amenities and ease, will also give the place new-age looks to make every Jharkhandi feel proud.

The second entry to the railway station from Railway South Colony at Nivaranpur is expected to debut next month, Ranchi railway division’s senior public relations officer Suhas Lohatare said.

“Work is going on in a war-footing to complete the second entry which will be opened in another month,” Lohatare said.

He added that the second entry would ease the rush at the main entrance on the Railway North Colony side. “In fact, the second entrance will help passengers coming from Dhurwa, Harmu, Ashok Nagar and nearby Krishnapuri and Amravati Nagar to enter the station from the other side and move to various platforms. Ranchi railway station has five platforms,” he said.