Redevelopment of 400 stations in 100 cities
Approximately 2,700 acres of encroachment free land is available for commercial development in multiple phases along with the redevelopment of around 400 Indian railway stations across 100 cities, according to Veenu Jain, Chairman of the Railways Committee at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Indian Railways is taking many paths to achieve these mega station redevelopment goals by including modified form PPP model, PPP through the traditional model, collaboration with state governments, ministries and agencies, as well as many other processes, said Jain on 19 August 2020.
The Indian Railways via Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) needs to create and sustain the interest of all stakeholders in the program, he told the PHD Chamber organized Webinar on ‘Business Opportunities with Indian Railways Station Development Corporation Ltd’.
While detailed planning and tenders by IRSDC are already underway in all areas, there is still a need to disseminate more information regarding the various parameters of these new initiatives, business opportunities, steps to collaborate, while investing a sense of trust amongst the industry stakeholders.
Jain believes the redevelopment program will serve dual benefits i.e. new and modern amenities will be provided at railway stations, and world-class infrastructure will be developed in the vicinity of these stations.
Its core aims to develop and redevelop world-class railway stations on the Pan-India basis and create 24×7 active city-centers called ‘RAILOPOLIS’ by integrating commercial and active public spaces connected with various modes of transportation.
Describing the Indian Railways’ Station Redevelopment Program as one of India’s largest infrastructure programs, he highlighted some of the salient features.
Amenities envisaged in the program include segregating arriving and departure streams of passengers; surface or basement parking; seamless accessibility for the specially-abled; swipe ticket entry machines; well-lit circulating area; clean and modern washrooms; free and paid Wi-Fi options, pharmacy; ATMs; CCTV with integrated security system; ramps for differently-abled; F&B and entertainment facilities; hotels, lounges, conference facilities and among others. #railways #facilities #redevelopment #upgrade #land #amenities /fiinews.com
