Lucknow's iconic Charbagh Railway Station is all set to undergo a major facelift to become a world-class facility soon. This chess-board railway terminus is slated to get an underground way and parking along with an overhead concourse, to link the Charbagh Railway Station to the Metro Station via the Lucknow Junction. Besides, a redevelopment course will be mapped for the railway station to envisage it as a state-of-the-art transport hub, in the league of eminent international airports.

12.23 acres of commercial plot to be refurbished

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After being in the development pipeline for 2 years, the Rail Land Development Authority green flagged a pre-bidding meeting on April 9, 2021. Several private developers of the country were appraised about the ₹556.8 crore redevelopment project here and interested bidders have until June 24, to submit the Request For Qualification (RFQ).

Post this, companies will be screened and the agency which bags the final tender will develop on the PPP model. The selected company will also be responsible for the payment of taxes, inspection charges, infrastructure charges and other cesses and taxes to the local body.

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This project was shrouded in troubles as stakeholder National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC), withdrew its support. This delayed the course of development as the RLDA had to initiate fresh preparations to launch the project. Now, according to the project blueprints, about 12.23 acres of a commercial plot at Charbagh and Lucknow Junction, has been marked for the proposed redevelopment scheme.

As per current plans, the station will be refurbished in two phases on the Design-Build-Operate-Finance-Transfer (DBFOT) model at an estimated cost of Rs 556.8 crores. This will include air-concourses, foot-over bridges, lifts escalators, and a host of other facilities along with amenities for the disabled passengers. The primary first phase will stretch for 3 years at ₹442.5 crores while the second phase will be executed at ₹114.3 crores, over the period of two years.

Railway Station redevelopment to raise tourist & employment potential

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Speaking to Knocksense, Ved Prakash Dudeja, Vice Chairman of Rail Land Development Authority stated that Lucknow is one of the fastest-growing cities of North India. It centres several manufacturing and processing units as well as hosts a strong network of administrative, banking and financial institutions. The redevelopment of Lucknow Railway Station will harbour increased tourism and raise the potential of employment generation.

This will also have a positive scaling impact on the real estate in the surrounding area. The official further stated that the new station design will include 'Green Concept' for the environment while the heritage look will be preserved as part of the city's legacy and history.