Redevelopment of New Delhi station gets exemption for 38.7 hectares

The forest department of the Delhi government has approved the project for the New Delhi railway station’s redevelopment by giving exemption for 38.7 hectares. The department’s notification states that around 70% of the surviving trees won’t be harmed. However, the rest of the trees will be chopped or transplanted. Additionally, it stated that 885 trees will be transplanted and the remaining 36 will be chopped. The redevelopment project will be executed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) agency.The transplantation of the trees at the site will also be executed by the agency.They will furthermore plant 9,210 trees across various locations including Yamuna Bank. According to sources, the project still requires one last approval from Delhi Urban Art Commission.The redevelopment project is yet to begin over 10 years after being envisaged by the ministry of railways for the redevelopment of the station into a world-class hub. Officials also said the statutory approvals will be put on a fast track. The redevelopment plan has been rejigged by the Indian Railways by retaining the commercial development section of the core station redevelopment.The commercial development involves real estate that will be executed in the second phase and the station’s infrastructure that includes upgrading passenger amenities, parking, and core areas of the railway station will be taken up in the first phase. This will be the first of its kind wherein the railway will be collecting a user development fee from passengers as well as visitors coming to receive or see off passengers. Image Source