Prayagraj Junction Set to Emerge as Premier Commercial Hub with Major Redevelopment
The ongoing redevelopment of Prayagraj Junction is poised to transform it into a significant commercial center, as railway authorities prepare to lease a substantial portion of the newly constructed station building to private investors for a 45-year period. This ambitious project, executed at an approximate cost of Rs 960 crore, ranks among the largest railway station redevelopments currently underway in India.
Extensive Commercial Development Plan Unveiled
Under the strategic plan, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has issued an e-tender for seven floors of the newly built nine-storey structure on the Civil Lines side of the station. Specifically, the area spanning from the third to the ninth floor, covering around 2,03,665.28 square feet, has been opened for commercial development. Private investors will be granted the opportunity to develop a variety of facilities within this complex, including shopping malls, hotels, multiplexes, corporate offices, and food plazas.
Revenue-Sharing Model and Bidding Process
Officials have confirmed that the redevelopment work at the station has been in progress for nearly three years. The commercial spaces will be allocated under a revenue-sharing model, ensuring that the Railways receive a minimum share of 25 percent of the revenue generated. To facilitate this, RLDA has set a reserve price of about Rs 130 crore for the project. In a move to ensure transparency in the bidding process, the authority has released a detailed schedule for interested investors.
A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for March 17 at 11:30 am at the RLDA headquarters, available through both offline and online modes. Companies and investors keen on the project can submit their e-bids until April 23. The bidder offering the highest bid will be awarded the rights to operate commercial activities on the seven floors for the duration of 45 years.
Structural Framework and Passenger Amenities
As part of the comprehensive redevelopment plan, the structural framework of the new building has already been completed. The ground floor and select other sections of the building will house essential railway offices, ticket counters, and waiting areas for passengers. A standout feature of the new design is the spacious concourse on the first floor, where passengers will wait for their trains before using escalators to directly access the platforms.
Public Relations Officer for the Prayagraj Division, Amit Singh, emphasized that the redevelopment will not only provide airport-like facilities to passengers but also ensure long-term and stable revenue for the railways. Officials are targeting to complete the entire redevelopment project by the end of 2026, marking a significant milestone in enhancing both infrastructure and economic opportunities at Prayagraj Junction.
