Cabinet approves proposal to redevelop 400 railway stations

New Delhi, July 16 (KNN) The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for redevelopment of railway stations 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,” according to a Cabinet release. 

This approval will enable the Ministry of Railways to accelerate the redevelopment of ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations. These categories of 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 Cabinet release said. 

Redevelopment of identified stations is undertaken through the Indian Stations Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC). As the IRSDC is able to undertake redevelopment of only a few stations, and there is a need to redevelop a large number of stations, it has been proposed to redevelop stations through invitation of open bids from interested parties. (KNN Bureau)