Plans Afoot To Make 135-Year-Old 'Cawnpore Railway Station' A Tourist Draw

Kanpur, December 5 (TNA) The Kanpur district administration is mulling over a special project to promote the Kanpur railway station as a tourist hotspot. Kanpur Divisional Commissioner Raj Shekhar, visited the heritage railway station on Saturday along with the city commissioner and railway officials.

The proposed project is being stitched up with an objective to make people aware of the rich heritage of the station - the historic building of Cownpore Railway station was built in the year 1885. This is said to be the 1st Railway station of North India - as also to promote it as a tourist draw.

The Kanpur railway station served as the 'main' railway station till 1932. Then later the existing New Kanpur Central took its place and the old Railway station building was converted to training institute for railway officers. In the year 2002, this was declared by Railway Department as “Heritage Building”.

Commissioner found that this place has all potential to become a most attractive tourist place for Kanpur. It’s grandeur and historical significance can be exhibited in the form of “Railway Museum”, Raj Shekhar mused.

The old tracks, the old building structure and unique dome architecture makes it more attractive and interesting, he added.

It’s said that earlier many attempts were made in this direction, but not much could be materialised. Divisional Commissioner also interacted with railway officers and discussed with the SMART city officers regarding how to make it a Point of tourist attractions at the same time retaining its existing utility. Further plans will be chalked out after interacting with the Divisional Railway officers and the Railway HQ Delhi, it was informed.