The Railway Ministry has, for the second time, extended the deadline to July 24 for companies to submit bids for the redevelopment of Kozhikode railway station.
Official sources said that investors had sought more time for submitting the applications including the design concept. “The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1 was cited by many of them,” A.K. Sinha, Chief Planning and Development Engineer, South Railways, told The Hindu on Tuesday.
The Kozhikode station is among the 23 stations in the country that will be developed with world-class facilities at a cost of ₹75 crore. Under the Swiss Challenge Method, around 4.40 acres at four sites have been identified at the Kozhikode station to be utilised for the project. The successful bidder will get the contract for 45 years.
Over a dozen enterprises such as Vadakara-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) have evinced interest in the project. ‘
Previously, INKEL Limited, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, had expressed its willingness to take part in the bidding. Besides, Malaysia’s state-owned Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has also shown interest in developing railway stations in the country.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled the redevelopment programme for railway stations across the country on February 8. Originally, the deadline for the submission of application was May 22. But it was extended to June 30.
Mr. Sinha said that about 10 companies had already visited the site to get an overview of the areas to be developed. “I have also met District Collector U.V. Jose and Kozhikode Mayor Thottathil Raveendran to apprise them of the project,” he said.
The successful developer would develop, finance, operate and maintain the railway station during the contract period.
“It will be a win-win situation for the passengers because railway facilities will considerably improve,” Mr. Sinha said.
Campaigns that the Railway Ministry was going to sell off its properties at Kozhikode railway station to private companies were totally false.
The Railways was only leasing land to firms for bettering facilities of passengers. Redevelopment includes a concourse, food and beverages outlets, canopy roofing and superior flooring, escalators, and passenger lounges, he said.
