Prayagraj: Prayagraj Junction is set for a major commercial transformation, with the Civil Lines-side public plaza and commercial arcade poised to emerge as a destination featuring food, entertainment, shopping and sports facilities after the Prayagraj Division of North Central Railway (NCR) secured its highest-ever non-fare revenue contract through an e-auction.NCR’s chief public relations officer (CPRO) Dr Shivam Sharma said the division successfully conducted the e-auction on Aug 7 through IREPS E-Auction Leasing Module for setting up, operating and maintaining multi-functional commercial activities along with access-controlled basement parking. The concession has been awarded for 15 years. Sharma said the contract value is the highest-ever non-fare revenue (NFR) contract realised on Indian Railways, setting a new national benchmark for commercial monetisation of railway assets.The proposed commercial ecosystem at the Civil Lines-side station precinct will include a food court, fun park and gaming zone, sports and turf sports zone, shopping and retail outlets and a cultural engagement hub. An access-controlled basement parking facility will also form part of the development.According to Dr Sharma, the project is aimed at significantly enhancing passenger amenities while giving the station precinct a contemporary commercial identity. Besides providing passengers with more entertainment, shopping, dining and recreational options, the development is expected to generate sustained non-fare revenue for Indian Railways.The initiative is also expected to stimulate economic activity in and around Prayagraj station by creating a modern commercial ecosystem within the railway premises. The access-controlled parking facility will further improve convenience for passengers and visitors arriving at the Civil Lines side.The CPRO further said the successful auction reflected growing investor interest in the commercial potential of Prayagraj station. The project is expected to strengthen the station’s transformation into a modern, world-class railway hub while creating a new benchmark for non-fare revenue generation across Indian Railways.Meanwhile, in another important decision taken in view of the upcoming Independence Day, the Prayagraj Division of NCR has decided to play 19 patriotic songs at major railway stations, including Prayagraj Junction, from Monday. The songs will be played during intervals between train movement and essential platform announcements. The playlist includes popular patriotic numbers such as ‘Aao Bachchon Tumhein Dikhayen Jhanki’ and ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon’. NCR senior PRO Amit Malviya said the initiative aims to create patriotic atmosphere at railway stations on Independence Day. The initiative will also be implemented at major stations including Kanpur Central, Agra Cantt, Jhansi and Gwalior.
