A large number of foreign railways have shown a keen interest in Station Redevelopment Programme, Lok Sabha was told today.
The railways has advertised its plan to offer major stations on "as is where is" basis for redevelopment by inviting proposals from interested parties with their designs and business ideas, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said in a written reply in the House.
He said since the railways is taking up station redevelopment in a big way for about 400 stations, cooperation with foreign countries/companies does not pose any problem to indigenous companies/firms.
The companies/firms can also partner with foreign companies for adapting best international practices and technology transfer. All the redevelopment is through open bidding process only.
The entire cost of station redevelopment is to be met by leveraging commercial development of land and airspace in and around the station. Therefore, railway funds are not required for station redevelopment projects. Such projects shall generally be cost neutral to the railways.
An agreement has been signed with the French Railway (SNCF) for joint study on renovation concept design of Ambala and Ludhiana stations.
Korean railway has also expressed interest in the redevelopment of the New Delhi station. Governments of Belgium, Germany, China and the UK have also expressed interest in the redevelopment programme.
The facilities proposed in a redeveloped station include congestion-free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration of both sides of the city wherever feasible, integration with other modes of transport systems such as bus, metro, user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking.
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