A tender has been floated to upgrade the Secunderabad Railway Station for Rs 653 crore. The station is one of the busiest in the South Central Railways (SCR) as well as in India's railway system. According to top authorities, the project would be carried out under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) style, with construction scheduled to be finished within 36 months after the tender award. The tender will be closed on July 29th, and a pre-bid meeting will be held on June 21st. The development plans include a new station building on the existing north-side with G+3 floors — 22,516 sq m and an extension and expansion of the existing south-side building with G+3 floors — 14,792 sq m. A 108 m wide double-story sky concourse will be built, with the first tier serving passengers and the second tier serving the general public as a 24,604 sq m rooftop plaza. A multi-level (five-level) parking structure is being built on the station's north side. On the south side of the station, a second underground parking garage has also been proposed. Existing platforms, including completely covered platforms, will be updated/renovated to reflect the new station's atmosphere. At the north and south side buildings, there will be two 7.5 m pathways with travelators, as well as a canopy with tensile fabric at the drop-off and pick-up bays. Provision of a walkway on the north side that connects to the East and West metro stations' skyways. Separate entry and exit blocks (drop-off and pick-up places) have been planned to avoid passenger arrival and departure and vehicular movements colliding. CPRO Ch. Rakesh told the media that a 5,000 Kvp solar power plant is also in the works. He said the development plan is part of the Ministry of Railways' efforts to transform stations into world-class facilities, with the overall goal of redeveloping and regenerating the city core area through the redevelopment of the railway station, multi-modal integration, and seamless transfer of passengers from one mode to another. It would improve train passengers' connection and mobility by providing easy pick-up and drop-off sites as well as appropriate parking. To decongest the region and link it with the city road network, the existing chaotic traffic circulation in and around the train station will be improved. He stated that the new city hub would assist generate economic possibilities and cash for the local government. Image Source Also read: Indian Railways developing infrastructure facilities at stations