Roadshows to attract investors for station redevelopment plan

In a major initiative for station redevelopment programme, Railways has undertaken a series of roadshows with leading developers in the country ahead of the bidding in December.
Railways has unfolded a mega plan to develop over 400 stations through various models and different agencies including overseas railways to enhance passenger amenities, easy access to stations, enabling optimal utilisation of land at stations.
A redeveloped station is envisaged as an iconic structure with its architecture reflecting the culture and character of the city, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the travelling public.
The first rail roadshow was held in the capital yesterday and the second event is being held in Mumbai today with the presence of prospective developers as the railways plans to launch the first phase of stations for bidding in December, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Railways is offering valuable partnership to developer and investor community and other agencies to create a win-win situation for customers, state governments and local authorities, and investors of these projects, he said.
It has been Railway's endeavour to redevelop the railway stations to international standard by leveraging real estate development of railway land and air space in and around the stations, the official said.

The redevelopment plan envisages segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, decongestion of approach roads, and integration with public transport access to stations.
He said most of the stations would be brown field ones where redevelopment works have to be executed under existing conditions.

There will be adequate space for concourse so that all essential facilities including catering, small retail, washrooms, cloak rooms, drinking water, toilet and ATM are made available, the official said.
There should not be any parcel obstruction or movement on the platform with well illuminated circulating area and sufficient parking space, he said.
Most of the major railway stations are located in congested areas in city centres and also have high levels of existing passenger traffic. Commercial development around these stations tends to add to the congestion.
Involvement of local authorities and state governments are essential to obtain an in-principle approval from concerned bodies before inviting bids, the official said.