No end to delay in finalization of financial model
*Land acquired, bidder selected but work yet to be awarded
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Mar 7: The fate of the ambitious Inter-Modal Station at Katra, the base camp of pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, is hanging in balance due to inordinate delay in finalization of the financial model for executing the project on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
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On August 30, 2022, an MoU was signed between National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Katra Development Authority in the presence of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and senior officials from the Central and UT Governments for the development of the Inter-Modal Station at Katra to improve the travelling experience of pilgrims visiting the revered shrine.
It was stated officially on the occasion that the Inter-Modal Station will integrate various transportation modes—rail, road, air (helipad), buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles—at a single hub for seamless movement of people from one mode to another.
Thereafter, land measuring 410 kanals and four marlas, falling under various Khasra numbers situated at village Kundrorian, Katra, was acquired by the Katra Development Authority through the Collector Land Acquisition (Sub-Divisional Magistrate), Katra, for construction of the Inter-Modal Station.
The final award was issued on April 11, 2023, and a mutation vide No. 1103/J dated October 23, 2024, for the land was attested in favour of the Katra Development Authority. Last year, NHLML submitted a financial model to the Finance Department through the Housing and Urban Development Department. However, the Finance Department raised certain queries on some aspects and sought replies from NHLML.
“However, no further progress has been made so far and the latest document of the Housing and Urban Development Department states that the financial model to develop the Inter-Modal Station on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis is still being worked out by NHLML”, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
They further said, “it is really a matter of serious concern that while significant progress has been made on the New Delhi-Amritsar-Jammu-Katra Expressway, which will channel major traffic into the proposed transport hub, the fate of the Inter-Modal Station is still hanging in balance”.
Disclosing that NHLML has already identified the successful bidder for execution of the project, sources said, “unless the financial model is finalized, the work cannot be formally awarded. The timeline for the start of work on the project now hinges on resolution of the issue relating to the financial model between the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and NHLML”.
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier construction work was expected to start in December 2024 after approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). However, even after the lapse of nearly one year, the financial model is yet to be finalized.
The Inter-Modal Station has been planned as a major transport hub integrating various modes of transport including rail, road and air connectivity, besides bus services, taxis, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles to facilitate seamless passenger movement.
The station will house a passenger terminal building with a facilitation centre and yatra registration centre, along with a bus terminal, multi-level car parking and commercial facilities such as hotels, retail zones, food courts and entertainment or cultural areas.
Other facilities proposed under the project include taxi stands, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) stands, pick-and-drop bays, two helipads and a ropeway system, besides world-class passenger amenities such as lounges, medical facilities, pharmacy and baby care areas.
The existing Katra Railway Station will also be integrated with the Inter-Modal Station through a foot-over-bridge, ensuring smooth passenger movement between the two facilities.
The project will be implemented in phases, with the bus terminal planned in the first phase, which will be completed within two and a half years after the start of work, followed by development of the other components. Once completed, the Inter-Modal Station will catalyze commercial development and economic activity in Katra and adjoining areas, besides significantly improving infrastructure for the millions of pilgrims visiting the shrine every year.
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