The ₹75-crore Kozhikode railway station development project will enter its second and final phase only after the standing financial committee of the Southern Railway approves the proposal of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the purpose.
A three-member panel convened by the Chief Planning and Development Engineer, Southern Railway, is considering the proposal. It had earlier approved a technical proposal of ULCCS. Incidentally, ULCCS is the lone bidder for the project, and Kozhikode railway station is among the 23 stations identified for the first phase of redevelopment across the country.
Four sites, measuring 4.40 acres, identified for the project will be leased to the successful bidder for 45 years.
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In the second phase, the bids will be invited based on the DPR for lease premium, sources said.
ULCCS will also have the Right of First Refusal if other companies take part in the second stage of bidding after the preparation of DPR.
The proposal is to improve facilities at the station, including construction of separate arrival and departure terminals, passenger lounges, food courts, beverage outlets, and escalators.
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Palakkad facility
The sources said the Palakkad station would also be developed at a cost of ₹24.25 crore.
The first phase of work includes the construction of a platform shelter, platform surface improvement with vacuum de-watered concrete, and granite flooring. The work is expected to be completed by January 31, 2019.
Besides, the sources said the Kottayam railway station was also being developed at a cost of ₹20.08 crore. Various development projects such as multi-level two-wheeler parking and improvement of facade, platform surface and circulating area will be completed by March 31, 2019.
The Ernakulam junction railway station along with Puducherry, two stations under the Southern Railway, are also being developed by the Railway Land Development Authority under the Ministry of Railways in association with National Building Construction Company, a public sector undertaking.
The scheme is in an advanced stage of approval of the Ministry, the sources added.