To enhance passenger facilities, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has issued a request for proposals for the renovation of the railway station.The expected cost to change the design is about 3.85 billion, and the project's deadline has been set at 15 months. On August 2, the same will be put up for bid.Ved Parkash Dudeja, vice-chairman of the RLDA, commented on the improvements by stating that Chandigarh has expanded significantly during the past ten years. By creating a top-notch railroad station, the upgrading of the Chandigarh Station supports the city's expansion.Proposed improvementsThe plaza area on the Panchkula side, which is planned to be upgraded along similar lines, is suggested to guarantee the same. Another idea for integrating the two sides is a roof plaza. It is also intended to integrate the railway station with other forms of transportation.The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) approach will be used to modernise the station, with a target completion date of 15 months and an estimated two-year turnaround for the entire project.In addition to having modern lobby areas, a food court, a paid lounge, and a portion of office and retail space, the refurbished station will also contain these amenities. To increase capacity and handle more passengers at once, further elevators and escalators must be constructed.This station is being developed on a modular concept wherein pre-engineered and prefabricated construction will be used, which will reduce the time taken to complete the project significantly.The contractor will develop the scheme for the light-house project, and once it is established, it will be replicated on all station development works to be carried out on the Indian Railway Network.RLDA is a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways for the development of railway land. Earlier, the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation was tasked with the upgradation of the railway station, which was set to be finished by 2021. After delays due to the COVID pandemic, the railway board handed the work to RLDA in April 2022.See also:Indian Railways developing infrastructure facilities at stationsRailway Ministry to renovate & give makeover to Kanpur Central station