Cabinet clears proposal to redevelop 400 railway stations on PPP model

The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved a proposal to redevelop and commercially exploit 400 railway stations across the country on a public-private partnership model.

Under the proposal approved today, railway stations will be offered on 'as is where is' basis, through open invitation from interested parties with their designs and business ideas, including permitting commercial development of real estate, by the zonal railways.

'' 'A-1' and 'A' category stations (about 400) shall be offered for redevelopment by inviting open bids from interested parties.

These stations are to be developed by leveraging real estate development of land and air space in and around the stations,'' a release by the railway ministry stated.

The proposal is to redevelop about 400 railways stations in metros and major cities, besides pilgrim centres and tourist spots.

According to the railway ministry, this approval will enable railways to accelerate the redevelopment of 'A-1' and 'A' category stations. Such stations are generally located in metros, major cities, pilgrimage centres and important tourist destinations across the country. It will also encourage innovative ideas from interested parties at no cost to the Railways.

"The 'as is where is' model was floated by the Railways to redevelop a large number of stations as the Indian Stations Development Corporation could undertake redevelopment of only some identified stations in the country", the statement said.

Earlier moves to redevelop the stations and transform them into world-class facilities had met with "little success".

Also, railway minister Suresh Prabhu had observed that the existing processes for redevelopment are time-consuming as there are several stages involved.

These include 'inception and pre-feasibility report', appointment of architect, technical consultants, financial and legal consultants, in-principle approval of local authorities, request for qualification, shortlisting of bidders, and request for technical proposals.