Good news! Railways to upgrade passenger amenities at 400 stations

New Delhi, Mar 29: In order to provide better passenger amenities, railways has firmed up plans to redevelop 400 major stations with private participation. The redevelopment of station envisages facilities like shopping complex, foreign exchange kiosk, eatery, book stall, PCOs/FAX booth, medicine and variety store, budget hotel (subject to availability) and adequate parking lot.

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.

PTI