KOZHIKODE: Though most of the trade unions are up in arms against the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model development of the Kozhikode railway station, four bidders have evinced interest in the project. According to railway sources, Inkel, Uralungal Labour Cooperative Society (ULCC), Larsen and Toubro and Hilite builders have come forward for the proposed Rs 322 crore development works. Kozhikode and Chennai Central are the only stations selected in the Southern Railway for the project aimed at uplifting stations to international standards.
According to the project, the 4.39 acres of railway land around Kozhikode railway station premises would be leased out to a private party for 40 years. The development works are envisaged in such a way that it would convert the station to a commercial-cum-recreational point. Integration with other modes of transport, better station environment and providing passenger amenities and services of international standards are being proposed. Meanwhile, the last date for submission of the tender has been extended to June 26.
“Private parties are keen in Kozhikode unlike in Chennai where there has been a cold reception due to the non-availability of adequate land,” said a railway official who requested anonymity. Apart from railway trade unions, the CPM has also come out into the open protesting the development project as "real estate business". The allegation is that once the land is leased out, there would be no land available for any kind of development works like laying a third line or constructing a pit line.
