ndian Railways has advertised its plan to redevelop ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations on ‘as is where is’ basis, by inviting proposals from developers with their designs and business ideas. In addition, eight stations viz., Anand Vihar, Bijwasan, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Habibganj (Bhopal), Shivaji Nagar (Pune), SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Surat have been entrusted to Indian Railway Station Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC) for redevelopment. The entire cost of station redevelopment is to be met by leveraging commercial development of land and air space in and around the stations. The revenue streams envisaged to be given to developers include, inter alia, revenues from parking, catering, small retails, etc.
During various interactions with the developers, their response has been encouraging. Development contract for one station i.e. Habibganj stipulating station development of ₹100 crores and commercial development of ₹350 crores has been awarded.
However, few developers, during such interactions have suggested that revenue streams from sale of platform tickets and parking fee should also be made available to them. The transfer of such rights would depend upon result of feasibility study which is station specific.