Until a few years ago, the Gandhinagar railway station had the dubious distinction of hosting a local train running to and from Ahmedabad with, often, precisely one passenger—apart from the train drivers and the guard. It was one of those rare railway stations in the country, that too in a state capital, where railways, bereft of passengers, cried for attention as all traffic was road-bound.

Now the State Government has formed a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for speedy implementation of redevelopment of this railway station into a hi-tech and passenger-friendly station. In the first such integrated project in India, the new Gandhinagar railway station will have a 300-room hotel on the airspace above the station, PK Taneja, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mining, said.

The project envisages an estimated cost of Rs.254 crore. However, no time-frame for completion of the project was available!

During the last 15 years, Gandhinagar has emerged as a hub for many key international exhibitions in Gujarat. The SPV, known as Gandhinagar Railway Station Integrated Development Company Ltd (GRSIDCL), a wholly-owned government company, has been tasked with redevelopment of this station and also manage the Mahatma Mandir and Exhibition Centre at helipad ground, where the Vibrant Gujarat Summits, and other important events, are held.

The SPV will have 74 per cent equity contribution of the State Government and 26% from the Indian Railway Station Development Corporation Limited (IRSDCL). The development of the station and construction of the 300-room hotel shall be entrusted to a leading central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) known for building expertise and latest technology, he added.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW