India’s railway station redevelopment initiative is set to create substantial business opportunities, estimated at Rs 30,000 crore for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) players over the next two years, as detailed in a recent report by ICRA.
The project, driven by the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), is poised to modernize 1,318 railway stations across the country, enhancing overall passenger experience and infrastructure. This ambitious redevelopment plan underlines the Indian government’s commitment to upgrading its railway network.
Budgetary allocations for the station redevelopment have seen remarkable increases; from Rs 2,159 crore earmarked for FY2023 to more than Rs 15,511 crore for FY2025. This trend promises to continue, ensuring significant funding stability for the ambitious projects planned. According to ICRA, this ramps up the chances for construction and engineering firms to engage with lucrative projects as they arise.
Initially, the Indian government aimed to employ the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for funding these redevelopments. Unfortunately, the government faced challenges, including limited private sector interest and constraints related to pricing and market risks associated with real estate. This prompted the shift to the EPC model in December 2022, allowing the government to fund the projects directly, which has proven to be more appealing to contractors.
Vinay Kumar G., ICRA's Sector Head of Corporate Ratings, expressed, “The railway station redevelopment provides business opportunities estimated at Rs 30,000 crore for construction companies to grow and de-risk their businesses through diversification.” He highlighted the competitive environment faced by contractors working on traditional infrastructure projects, making these railway station redevelopments particularly attractive.
Moderate competition has characterized the railway station redevelopment projects, with discounts ranging from 4% to 18% which are somewhat aligned with other notable railway EPC projects. The strong financial standing of Indian Railways serves as reassurance for construction companies, helping to keep receivable cycles shorter, akin to those encountered by projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Progress is already noticeable on the ground. Foundation stones have been laid for 553 stations, with contracts exceeding Rs 20,000 crore already awarded under the EPC modality. Key stations such as Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal (CSMT), Ahmedabad, Surat, Prayagraj, Bangalore Cantt, Chennai Egmore, and Secunderabad have been designated for significant upgrades.
Despite this progress, around 765 stations await contracts, with notable locations like New Delhi, Pune, Borivali, Mumbai Central, Thane, and Amritsar still pending. Once these projects are awarded, the potential for business expansion will broaden even more, creating even more momentum for contractors.
Uttar Pradesh leads the charge with the highest number of stations set for redevelopment at 149, followed by Maharashtra with 126, West Bengal at 94, and Gujarat at 87. Other states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are also notable contributors, together ensuring widespread benefits from improved rail infrastructure throughout the country.
With the fundamental shift to the EPC model for station redevelopment, progress is anticipated to accelerate over the coming years. This strategic increase in financial commitment from the government reflects its determination to bolster India’s rail infrastructure significantly.
For engineering, procurement, and construction companies, the current scenario presents unprecedented opportunities to engage with some of the largest infrastructure projects India has seen. The ultimate outcome of the station redevelopments is expected to not only revitalize India’s railway stations but also promote economic growth, create numerous jobs, and improve the travel experience for millions across the nation.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is not just about enhancing the railway network; it heralds transformative changes for India's infrastructure, urban mobility, and the economy, with businesses eagerly set to capitalize on the expansive opportunities presented.
