OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2011. Development of Multi Functional Complexes (MFCs) at 120 stations is planned through private investment/participation. Accordingly, contracts for development of Multi Functional Complexes at three stations have been awarded and for other stations, preliminary work has been undertaken, reported the press-centre of Indian Railways.

Fifty stations have been identified for development as world class stations in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode by leveraging the real estate potential of the land around and the air space above the stations. Bidding process for world class stations in PPP mode can be initiated only after Master Plan and Feasibility Report is prepared and in-principle approval of the local agencies obtained. Consultancy works for preparation of Master Plan and Feasibility Report had been taken up for New Delhi, CST Mumbai and Patna.

Action has also been initiated for Consultants for Secunderabad, Porbandar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Sealdah, Chandigarh and Chennai Central. For other stations, preliminary activities are being taken up by the Zonal Railways. Due to high cost of these projects, not much headway could be made. In this regard, a review of policy of engagement of Consultants has been undertaken.