Gomti Nagar Becomes UP’s First Privately-Run Rail Hub

02 Sep 2025 CW Team

Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar Railway Station has become the first railway station in Uttar Pradesh to be managed under the Integrated Station Facility Management System (ISFMS), a public-private partnership (PPP) model aimed at enhancing passenger experience with modern facilities and improved services.

While Indian Railways retains control over core operations such as train movement, ticketing, and security, private firms will now manage catering, parking, cleanliness, and passenger support. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) will oversee the initiative, offering private operators a nine-year licence, extendable by three years. Under the revenue-sharing model, 15 per cent of the income will go to RLDA, with the remaining 85 per cent retained by Indian Railways.

Recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the upgraded Gomti Nagar station now features airport-style food courts, solar-powered infrastructure, elevators, escalators, and revamped commercial spaces. With six platforms handling 76 trains daily, the station serves as a key rail junction linking Gorakhpur, Chhapra, and Barauni, and plays a vital role in eastern Uttar Pradesh’s rail network.

Chandigarh station has also been brought under this pilot programme. If successful, the ISFMS model may be replicated across the country. While experts acknowledge the potential for greater efficiency and improved commuter services, concerns persist over possible hikes in service charges, the need for transparency, and ensuring consistent quality over time.

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