The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has reopened the bidding process for the redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station, now focusing on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, with an estimated budget of Rs 2,469 crore.
The Request For Proposal (RFP) outlines a two-stage bidding process for both the station's redevelopment and associated infrastructure. This renewed effort follows previous unsuccessful attempts where bids significantly exceeded RLDA's projections. Officials indicated that adjustments have been made to streamline project execution. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for later this week, with further bids planned for real estate development after the station's modernization is complete.
Key project components include the construction of two Linear Station buildings at the Paharganj and Ajmeri gate sides, an Air-Concourse with arrival and departure plazas, a waiting area, lifts, escalators, retail spaces, and other passenger services. The plan also encompasses an elevated and ground-level road network to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion, as well as platform works, a parcel area, and two tunnels for efficient parcel handling and parking facilities.
In September 2022, the cabinet approved Rs 10,000 crore for the redevelopment of railway stations in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. However, the lowest bid for the New Delhi station alone reached approximately Rs 8,000 crore, far exceeding the government's allocation of Rs 5,000 crore for its modernization.
