Habibganj station: Builders ready to chip in for makeover

BHOPAL: Nine builders have evinced keen interest in redevelopment of Habibganj railway station, here at a meeting with officials of Bhopal railway division and Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) on Monday.
Divisional railway manager (DRM) Bhopal Rajiv Chaudhary told TOI, "They were apprised of what is expected. It was a good beginning.CREDAI president was also present."
Participants were told to formulate questions and send to IRSDC by November 4 before pre-bid meeting on November 10.
Habibganj is among five stations that have been identified for re-development involving modernisation and upgradation of passenger amenities. The others are Chandigarh, Anand Vihar and Brijwasan (both in Delhi), and Shivaji Nagar (Pune). Announcement for the same was made in Union rail budget previously.
Development and upgradation of railway stations across the country has been taken up under an agreement between Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) with IRSDC.
Sources said the developer would use railway land to develop the station and one proposing the highest share of the total cost would be given project of redevelopment and upgradation of the station.
IRSDC will carry out re-development work by raising finances through commercial development of railway land and air space at these stations. It is a joint venture company consisting of RLDA with 49% stake and Ircon with 51% stake, respectively.
IRSDC has already finalized master plans for all five stations, including Habibganj.