The Indian Railways has said it will revamp passenger amenities in 400 major stations, with private participation. This will include facilities like shopping complexes, foreign exchange kiosks, eateries, book stalls, PCOs/FAX booths, medicine and variety stores, budget hotels (subject to availability) and adequate parking lots. The entire cost of station redevelopment is to be met by leveraging commercial development of land and air space in and around the stations, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
As per the plan, land is only to be leased to the developers and its ownership shall remain with the Railways. The developers will be responsible for station redevelopment, associated real estate development and operation and maintenance of the same.
State governments/local bodies, PSUs can also be partner in the scheme, if necessary, the official said. However, the official could not commit on the time lines of the mega project. “Station Redevelopment projects are complex in nature which require detailed techno-economic feasibility studies and statutory clearances from local bodies. Thus, it is not possible to provide time limit at this stage for completion of these projects,” he said.