Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-to-upgrade-railway-station-near-iconic-somnath-temple-see-photos-11652330295330.html
Publisher: Liv Mint
The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has invited RFP (Request for Proposal) for the major up-gradation of Somnath railway station in Gujarat.
Somnath railway station belongs to the Western Railway of Bhavnagar Division. Somnath is a Hindu pilgrim place and witnesses tourists all year round. Somnath Temple at Somnath, Gujrat is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The upgraded railway station will benefit the tourists and travellers both visiting Somnath Temple and nearby areas.
The pre-bid was held on 22 April when National and State Level Developers participated in the Pre-bid meeting and showed keen interest in this project. RLDA also replied to the Developer’s queries. The deadline for the E-bid submission is 25 May 2022.
The objective of station redevelopment is to provide best-in-class amenities to passengers and enhance the travel experience. The station will be upgraded on EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model and the tentative cost of the up-gradation is estimated at ₹134 crores. The scope of work shall broadly cover Major Upgradation of Railway Station including but not limited to undertaking civil works and MEP works for the station building. This station will have an exclusive building façade exhibiting the local heritage of Somnath Temple with segregated arrival and departure lounges and in the future Somnath, Station will connect with GSRTC Bus Stand. The station will be developed by adopting Green Building Concept for Energy Saving. The up-gradation work is planned to be completed in a span of 2 years.
“Veraval (Somnath) is a historic city and a prominent tourist hub. The up-gradation of the Somnath Railway Station will strengthen the tourism prospects of the area. The upgraded station will also enhance the travel experience of the commuters and will also lead to a surge in business activities in the region” said Ved Parkash Dudeja, Vice Chairman, RLDA.
Veraval is also a major fishing port, infect one of the largest in India. It also has a large boat making industry and is home to a large number of fish processing factories in GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) which export seafood to USA, Japan, SE Asian, Gulf and EU Countries. The seafood industry which was started through government initiative now is in its prime and many importers are attracted to Veraval from around the globe. Regional research centres of CIFT and CMFRI are situated at Veraval & are instrumental in the development of the fisheries sector in Gujarat.
