Multi-functional complex to be commissioned by August-end.

At last, the multi-functional complex at Madurai railway junction will become operational by August-end. The three-storey facility, constructed by Indian Railways Construction Company (IRCON), a wholly-owned entity of Ministry of Railways, has been rendered idle for the last four years.

Additional Divisional Railway Manager RVB. Babu said that the IRCON awarded the contract to an operator recently. 'The final works to complete the interiors are going on,' he said.

Additional General Manager of the IRCON H.D. Doddaiah told The Hindu that all the facilities in the 40,000 square feet building would be commissioned in phases. A restaurant, along with hotel with budget rooms, a medical store and other commercial establishments were likely to be opened soon. The hotel on the first floor and restaurant on the ground floor will be opened immediately. A total of 49 rooms, including four suites, had been planned, Mr. Doddaiah said.

The objective was to provide a good restaurant, rooms, and shopping facilities for long-distance passengers on the railway premises itself. They need not travel a long way for shopping and other requirements such as bank, ATM and internet café, he said.

The building has been given on a long lease of 30 years. Both operation and maintenance of the building are vested with the operator.

It is on rental basis and the revenue would be shared with the railways and the IRCON. The operator has to provide all the passenger-related facilities as per instructions of the railway. 'They include facilities which passengers may need in future too,' he said.

The IRCON spent around Rs. 8 crore on the project. 'Three tenders floated to identify an operator did not evoke any response in the past and hence it remained idle,' Mr. Doddaiah said.


THE HINDU