The Ministry of Railways has identified 15 out of 1,337 stations for redevelopment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

In response to a query by DMK MP C.N. Annadurai, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Rani Kamalapati station in Madhya Pradesh has already been redeveloped and commissioned under the PPP model.

Annadurai sought details on the investment received, the private entities involved, the criteria for their selection, and the financial model, including revenue-sharing mechanisms. However, Vaishnaw noted that station redevelopment is a complex and iterative process, and specific details on the PPP model cannot be provided at this stage.

The government has identified 1,337 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for long-term redevelopment. The initiative aims to improve station access, waiting halls, circulating areas, toilets, lifts, escalators, cleanliness, and free Wi-Fi in phases.

While various models for station redevelopment have been explored, only 15 stations have been shortlisted under the PPP model. Vaishnaw emphasised that PPP projects involve additional business and financing considerations, and the government is working towards optimising their implementation.

(Business Standard)