Railway board approves station expansion project

The Railway Board has given its go-ahead to the Southern Railway Zone to proceed with the expansion of the Kozhikode railway station in Kerala. Further, the Kozhikode station is the only railway station in the state that has been chosen to be developed under the Swiss Challenge Method, indicate reports.. The Vadakara-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) has already bid for the Phase - I development of the project. It is among the 23 stations in the country that will be expanded with world-class facilities at Rs 75 crore. The ULCCS will now have to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) so that other firms can take part in the second and final phases of the Swiss Challenge Model. The Southern Railway Zone has reportedly identified four sites spanning 4.40 acre for the project. The land will be leased to the successful bidder for 45 years. The project includes retail development and office space development. Amenities proposed include arrival and departure segregation, concourse, food and beverage outlets, canopy roofing and superior flooring, escalators, and passenger lounges.