‘Redevelopment’ threatens heritage value of 125-year-old Coonoor rail station

‘Redevelopment’ threatens heritage value of 125-year-old Coonoor rail station

Sub :History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• The Coonoor railway station, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing significant renovations.
• The station, over 125 years old, remains largely unchanged and is a relic of colonial history.
• Renovations, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, have been criticised by history enthusiasts and heritage conservationists.

About Coonoor railway station:

• It is an NSG–4 category Indian railway station in the Salem railway division of Southern Railway zone.
• It serves Coonoor, a municipality town and popular hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
• The train station is a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site. The train station is an important rail hub for trains passing to Udhagamandalam (Ooty).
• Paul Hockings, in his “Encyclopedia of the Nilgiri Hills,” mentions that the idea of a railway in the Nilgiris was discussed for over 50 years before construction began.
• The ghat line connecting Mettupalayam and Coonoor was opened in 1899 after Lord Wenlock initiated its construction in 1891.
• It was opened in 1908.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

• It is an ongoing Indian Railways mission launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop railway stations across India.
• The development plan takes into account the unique needs of each station, promoting a holistic approach to railway station enhancement.
• The scheme aims to transform railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs with improved passenger amenities, better traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and enhanced signage.
• The scheme shall cater for the introduction of new amenities as well as the upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.
• The ultimate goal is to transform these stations into vibrant city centres over the long term.
• Key Features:
  • Modern passenger amenities: This includes providing clean and hygienic waiting areas, restrooms, Special amenities for the disabled, and food and beverage outlets.
  • Improved traffic circulation: This includes creating separate entry and exit points for passengers and vehicles, widening roads and footpaths, and providing adequate parking facilities.
  • Inter-modal integration: This includes providing seamless connectivity between railway stations and other modes of transport, such as buses, taxis, and autorickshaws.
  • Upgraded signage: This includes providing clear and visible signage in multiple languages to guide passengers.
  • Sustainability: This includes using energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
• Eco-friendliness: 
  • Rainwater harvesting systems and green spaces
  • Ballastless tracks, which reduce noise and vibration
  • Roof plazas, where available, provide additional space for commercial activities and passenger amenities

Source: TH