New Delhi, Ahmedabad And Mumbai Stations Among 54 Stations To Be Redeveloped As Iconic Structures

Major real estate players have shown interest in the redevelopment of New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Ahmedabad stations and slated to participate in the pre-bid meeting to be held next week of this month.

The tenders were floated in the second week of October for the redevelopment of these three major stations.

The government would spend a total Rs 10,000 crore for the redevelopment in the EPC mode.

While the allocation for the New Delhi station is nearly Rs 5,000 crore, CSMT would be redeveloped at about Rs 2,000 crore and Ahmedabad station for about Rs 3,000 crore.

The tenders are to be opened in the last week of January next year. While a 42 months timeline has been given for the redevelopment of New Delhi station, Ahmedabad station has three years and Mumbai station has two and half years, upon awarding the contract.

According to the railways, this is the first phase of redevelopment of the New Delhi station which involves replacement of the existing structure with a twin dome shaped structure as the facade of the new building.

Besides, there would be two multi-modal transport hubs at the New Delhi station for the convergence of buses, cars, auto rickshaws and the airport metro.

As the CSMT is a heritage structure, the facade would remain the same with minimum changes.

However, there would be changes in the concourse with more entry and exit points created to decongest the rush.

The additional structure around the building would be removed to amplify the heritage look of the structure.

A separate terminal for long distance mail/express trains would come up at CSMT and an integrated skywalk would be created interlinking all foot overbridges in the station.

An iconic tower of 19 floors would come at Ahmedabad station as it would be redeveloped on the lines of the Sun Temple of the region.

All three stations will have multi-level car parks to cater to the growing traffic.

The railways has accelerated the redevelopment of major stations across the country.

Presently 40 stations are being redeveloped to provide modern amenities while 14 stations are under tendering stage for redevelopment, and they are likely to be awarded in next five months.

Redevelopment of railway stations across the country will have a multiplier effect in the economy with increased job creation and improved economic growth.

Redevelopment of these stations envisage provision of spacious roof plaza, facilities such as food court, waiting lounge, children play area, designated space for local products, etc.

The development will integrate various modes of transport with railway stations such as metro, bus etc, besides integrating both sides of the city.

The construction of station infrastructure will adopt green building technology and facilities for ‘divyangjans’.

The stations will be developed on the concept of intelligent building, having state-of-the-art facilities for passengers. Station redevelopment will create ‘city centre’ like space at the station for the railway commuters as well as the general public.

Rani Kamalapati Station of West Central Railway, Gandhinagar Capital Station of Western Railway and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Station of South Western Railway have been developed and commissioned.

Timeframe for construction of stations cannot be indicated at this stage as the station development program is complex in nature, involves multiple stakeholders and various statutory clearances.