As per reports, Indian Railways is facing challenges in finding a suitable bidder for the Rs 4,700 crore tender for the redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). To avoid delays, they are considering dividing the tender into smaller ones. This move aims to expedite the bidding process and kickstart the execution of the project. The Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) has already initiated a separate tender for the design, construction, and commissioning of a multi-modal transit hub on the Paharganj side of the station, requiring an investment of Rs 440 crore.
If reports are to go by, the most recent tender for the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) redevelopment project was withdrawn in early February due to unresolved issues, including the challenge of constructing a curved road over the tracks.
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To enhance the efficiency of the redevelopment process for the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) project and ensure more accurate valuations, officials are considering dividing the tender into multiple parts and reissuing it in the coming months.
One of the main challenges for the project is the redevelopment of the congested Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj areas. These two heavily populated localities are located on either side of the station. However, it’s worth noting that all the land required for the project is owned by the government.
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Indian Railways possesses a significant parcel of land adjacent to the railway station, presently utilised for office space for railway personnel. As per reports, the plan entails constructing new office facilities on-site, following which the existing offices will be razed to accommodate commercial establishments and a pedestrian thoroughfare.
Previously, the NDLS redevelopment project faced challenges due to coordination issues among various government departments and multiple authorities in Delhi. However, in the past year, the land authority diligently engaged with over a dozen central and state departments, obtaining No Objection Certificates from them, signalling improved coordination and progress for the project.
The redesigned New Delhi station will span an extensive area of 1.5 crore square metres, featuring a pedestrian boulevard linking it to Connaught Place. Revenue generation is envisioned through commercial developments within the premises as part of the project’s strategy.
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The revamped New Delhi Railway Station aims to become a multimodal transportation hub, seamlessly connecting the station to the airport and the city. With nearly 5 lakh daily visitors, the station will feature a roof plaza hosting shopping areas and a food court for passenger convenience. Platforms will be exclusively for boarding and alighting trains. Currently linked to the Delhi Metro, the station will undergo phased renovations, with sections closed for up to four months at a time to facilitate the project’s progress.
