Railway unveils 5-star hotel on rail track in Gujarat

The Indian Railway has fast-tracked the construction work of the redevelopment of Gandhinagar railway station with facilities matching the global aviation standards. The revamped railway station will be at par with international standards and will have world-class passenger facilities. The Railways Ministry's Indian Railways Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) is heading the project. The railway station will boast a 5-star hotel, run by the Leela Group, above the rail tracks. It will include a revamped building with the concourse area consisting of retail shops, such as Shoppers Stop and Big Bazaar, and food courts. There will also be a transit hall with a seating arrangement for a total of 600 passengers or railway users. The redevelopment is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)- Gandhinagar Railway & Urban Development Corporation Limited (GARUD). The SPV, GARUD has been formed by IRSDC and the State Government of Gujarat. The redevelopment of the Habibganj railway station in Bhopal is also scheduled for completion by December 2020. The upgraded Habibganj railway station will have a glass dome-like structure at the station entrance. It will have a dedicated concourse area with retail outlets, plush waiting lounge, food cafeterias and modern toilets.