Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd IDC- Design Brief

IDC Design Brief

Outline of the Design brief
Section 1. Vision, Intent and Design Basis .......................... 2
Section 2. Design Brief ........................................................ 4
Section 3. Design Guidelines .............................................. 6
Section 4. Site Introduction ............................................... 11

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 Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd
Section 1. Vision, Intent and Design Basis
Clause 1.1. Competition Intent
The IRSDC invites Multi Disciplinary teams of experts/ consultants
to participate in International Design Competition for selection of
schemes for Redevelopment of stations mentioned below. The
teams winning the competition will be engaged by IRSDC as
Technical Consultant for the project. The competition would be
conducted in two stages. Stage-1 of Competition is also open for
Students (of planning, architecture and other allied disciplines
studying in India or abroad).
1. Nagpur Station, Nagpur city, Maharashtra
2. Gwalior Station, Gwalior City, Madhya Pradesh
3. Beiyappanhalli Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Clause 1.2. Design vision
The competition seeks ideas to revitalize railway stations and its
precincts by improving amenities and exploring options for property
development. The intervention is expected to create examples for
financially viable projects.
The combined design visions for 3 selected Stations include:
1. Design solutions to improve urban aesthetics and be based
on principles of Transit Oriented Development/ Smart
Urbanism.
2. Design solutions to explore alternative scenarios of land use
mix to arrive at suitable sizing of development taking into
account its impact on traffic and other infrastructure
requirements either existing or proposed by the competitors.
International Design Competition 2017
3. Design solutions to propose architectural schemes to
encourage Private Partnership for Redevelopment of
Stations.
4. Design solutions to integrate elements in the precinct
coherently so as to maximize functionality of urban space on
a daily basis
5. Design solutions to propose multi-modal integration to allow
seamless interchange between various modes of transport
from stations to all parts of the city
6. Design solutions to promote and improve connectivity,
pedestrian mobility and active public life in station precinct
7. Design solutions must reinforce pride and ownership among
stakeholders
8. Design solutions to be innovative and explore relevant
opportunities for value addition
9. Design solutions to uphold historic significance and
environmental properties of the context
10. Design solutions to be practical, buildable and financially
viable Station areas.
11. Design solutions to meet energy efficient- green building
principles.
Clause 1.3. Station area- Design Basis
Stations shall be designed for peak daily and hourly passenger flow
in the design year specified. In the absence of such criteria, a
design horizon of 40 years and twice the peak daily and hourly
passenger flow from the proposal year may be assumed.
Stations shall be designed to facilitate safe and effective entry and
exit of trains, and systematic, safe and efficient collection and
dispersal of passengers at the Station. Design of Stations shall
focus on fully supporting all of the MOR’s operations at the station
while providing a safe, secure, convenient and comfortable
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 Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd IDC- Design Brief

environment for passengers and MOR employees. Station designs

shall be modular in nature and ensure construction/ up gradation
with minimal impact on the current operations. Schemes shall aim
to find balance between functionality and aesthetics of the station.
No compromise on the functionality of the station areas shall
be accepted.

The MOR has issued “Manual for the Standards and

Specifications for Railway Stations”. This would act as the
guiding document for the planners and architects working on the
redevelopment of specific stations.

The Manual is intended to provide the station designer with a

comprehensive set of standards for the design of stations. The
Manual is intended to encourage the designer’s architectural vision,
and focus on efficient movement of passengers with the
convenience of transfers and interchanges with other modes of
transportation, customer safety, security, comfort and convenience,
while maintaining quality design (e.g., architectural quality,
innovation, aesthetics, efficiency, and cost effectiveness), urban
integration and preservation, and environmentally responsible
design.

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Section 2. Design Brief
Entries will be reviewed for compliance with key Design Principles,
and the response to these will form a significant component of the
evaluation. Design Principles include:
2.1.1. Identity and context
The competition seeks designs that will assist in improving the
identity of respective Stations in the broadest possible way. It is
desired that the winning design will be a positive place to use, stay
or pass through, will be a significant landmark for the area and will
act as a positive gateway element for the respective cities. The
design must make a positive contribution to its location and
engender a sense of civic pride. The cultural context – setting,
landscape, built history, memory, indigenous cultural conditions,
understanding of the past, and continuity into the future – should all
inform the design outcome. A good design proposition will add
value by making the most of the site, its surroundings and their
opportunities.
2.1.2. Site design
The concept must propose a well designed use of the site, and
respond appropriately to factors including orientation, natural light,
maintenance and servicing. A built form and site movement strategy
that works positively with the site topography is essential. Visibility,
lighting, signage and way finding will all be important factors.
International Design Competition 2017
2.1.3. The public realm and urban fabric
The design must contribute to its place by careful integration into
the existing urban fabric. Designs should create a distinct urban
character and sense of place which complement the identity of
respective cities and adjacent projects and other citywide
strategies, without cliché.
2.1.4. The organisational diagram
A succinct organisational diagram must underlie the design
concept, with intuitive patterns of movement that invite pedestrian
activity within and through the site. Connections and networks
beyond the site should be identified and strengthened.
2.1.5. Station area mobility aspects
Railway station being a transit hub, design of operational areas and
comprehensive planning for mobility, access and circulation is of
utmost priority. Following are some key aspects:
a. Station access and dispersal transport system from different
parts of city
b. Multimodal integration at station with all motorized/ non-
motorized modes including integration with neighbouring
communities at
c. Adequate parking arrangement for public and private
vehicles
d. Segregation of pedestrian and vehicular movement. Within
vehicles segregation of public and private vehicles
e. Seamless transfer of passengers .entering into and exiting
from the station
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f. Circulation system which facilitates segregation of vehicles
and faster and safe flow of passengers
g. Segregating of non- terminal use ( office , retail etc..) traffic
with terminal traffic
h. Surrounding network circulation and traffic management
plan to account for terminal generated traffic including
entry/exit planning
2.1.6. Form, massing, appearance
The concept must propose an attractive and well-considered
addition to its place, and indicate appropriate relationships with
regard to scale, form, mass, materials, finish and function of all
elements. The re-visioned site must mediate between the station
and rest of the respective city.
2.1.7. Functional planning
Clarity and intelligence in the planning and spatial arrangements of
all spaces and elements of the design must be evident, together
with demonstrated understanding of amenity and convenience.
2.1.8. Use of resources
The design must take account of environmental issues in an effort
to be less resource intensive. Considerations include orientation,
light, energy, water, waste and the proposition of inbuilt flexibility.
The stations should aim to meet highest standards of IGBC Green
Building ratings for similar projects. IRSDC aims that the Station
Development achieves platinum rating based on the IGBC rating
systems for Green Railway Stations.
IDC- Design Brief
2.1.9. Safety and security
The re-envisioned place must be designed to be used safely (both
day and night) and to offer the perception of safety to its users.
Designs should embed qualities that contribute to public safety
including improved sightlines, informal outlook and natural
surveillance, positive way finding and appropriate lighting initiatives.
2.1.10. Materials
The materials for the new Station will need to create a positive user
experience, yet remain robust and suitable for their use (and
without unacceptably high or expensive maintenance requirements)
to deal with the tough conditions associated with such a public
infrastructure project.
2.1.11. User Perspective
The user perspective should be manifest throughout the design,
with the design recognizing and responding to the needs of all
users. This includes universal design for people of all ages and
abilities, travelling by any mode as well as those seeking to cross
the rail line.
2.1.12. Community Priorities
In general all stakeholders and local community, aspire that the
station precinct be safe, vibrant, sustainable, accessible and
connected, comfortable, convenient, with an inspiring design that is
reflective of respective cities.
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Section 3. Design Guidelines (Suggestive)
3. Preferred location of facilities could be as follows-
These design guidelines are suggestive. The competition applicants
are free to adopt other suitable guidelines or design measures,
provided they can demonstrate that their schemes uphold IRSDC’s
expectations from Station development Plan.
3.1.1. Users of proposed redevelopment scheme
1. The proposed station operational areas shall be designed
for Railway Passengers.
2. The proposed property development within station area shall
be designed for railway passengers, city residents and local
office goers. Mix of uses for property development should
capitalize on the same.
3.1.2. Station operational area design
1. The participants shall study the existing and projected
footfalls of the proposed station areas. Accordingly, they
should analyze the existing operational areas of the station
buildings in conjunction with the norms and standards laid
out in Manual for Standards and Specifications for Railway
Stations, 2009. Accordingly, they should prepare a program
for the operational areas.
2. The station layout must provide for appropriate location of
various zones such as:
a. Administration zone
b. Operational zones
c. Passenger facility zones
d. Passenger transfer/transition zones
e. Infrastructure zones
International Design Competition 2017
f. Non terminal use zones
a. Platforms- Facilities for basic use of railway
passengers, like kiosks, public toilets, telephone
booths, emergency, etc.
b. Concourse (inside)- Facilities for passengers inside
paid area of concourse like, hospitality,
entertainment, retail, rest area, mobile offices,
medical shops etc.,
c. Concourse (Outside)- It shall comprise of the
facilities for passengers before exiting railway
stations- such as information regarding the city,
information and easy access to rest of the station
area and property development. Facilities could be
provided for travelers to have meetings, shared
office spaces, lounges, short & long term
accommodation, business lounges, short and long
term accommodation options before exit of the
station premises.
d. Outside Station area- Passengers exiting the
station area complex should be dispersed as fast as
possible in multiple directions through multiple exits.
To facilitate this, Interchange facilities should be
located/ connected with fastest (or shortest) distance
from the station exits, in the following order of
decreasing priority- Mass Rapid Transit Systems,
Public Transport systems, Intermediate Para Transit
and Taxi Facilities, Private personal modes.
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3.1.3. Road network enhancement
1. The proposals should aim to complete the street grid or
provide missing links of surrounding areas as required in
TOD norms. The aim should be to design of an integrated
(both physically and functionally) Urban Fabric.
2. The proposed schemes should allow pedestrian/ vehicular
thoroughfares through station (unpaid areas) shopping
areas as per TOD Norms.
3. The movement (congregation and dispersal) patterns of
people should govern the provision of shopping frontages,
resting places, transient uses/ facilities, waiting areas,
landscape zones etc.
3.1.4. Transport Integration
1. The proposals shall provide solutions for integration of all
exiting transport modes, enhancement of capacities of
existing transport modes vis-à-vis expected rise in footfall at
station areas, routing/ re-routing of transport modes to
provide direct access to station areas.
2. Multiple dispersal points should be provided for people to
access and disperse in different directions/ exitsas an
important disaster mitigation measure. For this, if required,
land may be shared by railways.
3.1.5. Parking areas
1. Frontages and on-street parking spaces should be
prioritized for use of pedestrians, public transport, IPT, NMT
modes and pick-up/ drop off facilities over long term parking
for private modes in the design, management, and spatial
planning of public spaces.
IDC- Design Brief
2. Location of Parking/ drop-offs should not become a
hinderance/ barrier to pedestrian movement & easy access
to station and commercial development
3.1.6. Proposed use for property development
1. The station areas are planned to be regenerated on
principles of Public Private Partnership. The scheme should
be cost neutral to IRSDC and if possible, generate additional
revenue.
2. The additional floor area available after accommodating the
operational uses of the station area shall be used for
property development to generate revenue for construction,
operation and maintenance of the respective railway
stations.
3. Explore all kinds of mix of landuses for property
development, which can maximize direct and indirect (both
short and long term) revenue potential of the station areas
while also providing for all necessary facilities, utilities
required for such mix of uses.
4. The proposed mix of uses should be able to maximize use
of the assets created by encouraging station users to spend
maximum time within the property development while also
ensuring clean well-defined routes for fast evacuation in
case of emergencies. Public spaces, plazas, green areas
should enhance the potential of the property development
and encourage round the clock use of the facility.
5. The mix of uses should to aim to cater to all income groups,
gender and physical condition.
6. The proposed property development shall not be considered
at the expense of train travelers comfort, efficiency of station
and train operations and the effective administration of the
Indian Railways.
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3.1.7. Maximize commercial potential of frontages.
1. Valuable (eg. street facing/ commercial facing) frontages,
should be exploited for providing active uses like
commercial/ retail/ hospitality etc.
2. All Ground frontages facing public streets roads, plaza and
parks shall have active frontages, encouraging round-the-
clock vibrancy.
3. The entry/ exit from station should have clear visibility and
unhindered access.
4. Anchor stores should be located to maximize salability
5. As per National TOD Policy all active frontages facing main
roads shall have zero setback and no boundary walls.
Incase easements are required for services etc. the same
should be a pedestrian only zone with provisions only for
emergency vehicles and drop offs.
3.1.8. Ensuring salability of residential uses
1. Residential users should be located with adequate
provisions of privacy yet easy access to station retail and
other services.
2. Residential units should be located such that they have
direct access and views (wherever possible) of adjoining
social infrastructure and green areas.
3.1.9. Architectural design
1. The architectural design of schemes shall adhere to
National TOD Policy and prevalent building bye laws.
2. The schemes should embody and express the role of the
station area development as the Gateway, i.e. the first and
the last impression of the city
International Design Competition 2017
3. In case any iconic structures are proposed, the same should
enhance the visibility of the station from important city
corridors..
4. Highrise buildings, especially residential towers may
preferably be located facing existing or proposed parks/
green open spaces/ plazas, etc. so as to provide the best
views (in addition to ‘eyes on the park’) so that the salability
and value of the scheme can be maximized.
3.1.10. Architectural Heritage and Preservation
1. The design of new structures/ complexes should preserve
and integrate heritage extant in and around site.
2. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the
provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains Act, (AMASR Act) 2010 protects
monuments, sites and remains of national importance. The
design proposals should be in conjunction of the AMASR
Act, 2010 and its rules related to structures within station
areas, protected under the Ac.
3. If some structures are protected under Acts of State
Departments of Archaeology and Museum, then respective
provisions must be upheld in the design proposals.
4. Incase a structure is unprotected, its protection/ preservation
must be provided by virtue of the design.
5. Retrofitting/ extending/ adapting an existing historic
structure, should only be done using compatible material
and technology and within the capacity of the structure. As
much as possible, discontinuity of existing use and those
involving change of temperature, introduction of heavy
infrastructure, should be avoided.
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6. Station Development designs should aim to enhance &
compliment the heritage structures rather than constrained
by or replicate them.
3.1.11. Sustainability
The schemes should meet the criteria for sustainable Railway
Station Design. In line with the IGBC requirements of Green
Railway Station rating system, following parameters of sustainability
shall be met:
1. Schemes shall integrate water conservation strategies for
saving 30-50% potable water.
2. Schemes shall aim for 20-30% energy saving through
consumption reduction/ generation of electricity through
renewable means
3. The schemes shall propose strategies for waste segregation
at source, and adopt measures for recycling of waste, while
aiming for “net waste neutrality” of the station area.
4. The scheme should encourage use of alternate fuel or
renewable energy for heating and cooking applications
within station premises.
5. Encourage use of recycled material and reduce exploitation
of virgin materials.
6. Schemes shall ensure adequate daylight and ventilation for
all buildings and adopt measure to reduce indoor air
pollution.
7. Schemes shall ensure that wherever possible even
adjoining areas benefit from the measures of sustainability
adopted.
8. The schemes shall encourage application of local crafts,
skills and manpower.
IDC- Design Brief
9. All the above measure shall be cost neutral to railways. For
certain advanced technology, where cost of application is
high, cross subsidization through private engagement shall
be explored.
10. Long term financial viability of the proposal is of utmost
importance. The integrated schemes should be at least cost-
neutral, and preferably generate additional revenue.
11. Lifecycle cost of all sustainable strategies proposed must be
taken into account in order to optimize future O&M costs
and procedures for IRSDC.
12. Proposals should incorporate measures to manage impact
of air and noise pollution both within and outside station
areas.
3.1.12. Landscape Design
1. Site plans of the proposed schemes should have an
optimum balance of soft and hard scaped areas (preferably
at least 10% of natural soft scape), while encouraging use of
local plant species.
2. Public open spaces should be planned to also function as
working landscapes
3. Public spaces and pedestrian areas should be adequately
shaded through natural/ artificial means.
4. The street furniture and public art should encourage end
users to spend quality time in station area and take pride in
the facility.
5. Material used for landscaping should ensure lower heat gain
and allow for rain water harvesting/ recharge through natural
means while aiming for “0-run off from the site”. The lighting
and illumination scheme for the area should enhance the
quality of landscape and building design proposals.
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Clause 3.2. Other Planning and Design

Guidelines for reference
1. Latest Local Development Plans and Urban Building Bye
Laws (Preliminary information to be provided along with
Stage-1 data package)
2. National Building Code, 2016- http://bis.org.in/sf/nbc.asp
3. Manual for Standards and Specifications for Railway
Stations, 2009-
http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/direct
orate/land_amen/downloads/Manual%20for%20WCS%20%
28Vol%201-%20Main%20Report%29.pdf
4. National TOD Policy, 2017-
http://moud.gov.in/upload/whatsnew/59a4070e85256Transit
_Oriented_Developoment_Policy.pdf
5. National Urban Transport Policy-
http://moud.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/TransportPolicy(2)
.pdf
6. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat-
http://moud.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/NMSH_0.pdf
7. Harmonized guidelines for space standards for barrier
free built environment for persons with disability and
elderly persons-
http://cpwd.gov.in/Publication/Harmonisedguidelinesdreleas
edon23rdMarch2016.pdf
8. Codes issued by Indian Road Congress-
https://www.irc.nic.in/publications.aspx
9. IGBC Green Railway Stations, rating system, March 2017
10. Model Building Bye Laws, 2016-
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/MODEL%2
0BUILDING%20BYE%20LAWS-2016.pdf

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Section 4. Site Introduction

Clause 4.1. Nagpur Station

4.1.1. History

Nagpur Junction railway station is one of the oldest and busiest

stations in Nagpur. It was inaugurated in its present form on
January 15th, 1925 by the then Governor Sir Frank Sly. The
railways at Nagpur were established before the independence of
India. The initial lines were laid down in Nagpur in the year of 1867.
In 1881 Nagpur was linked up with another Indian City, Kolkata, via
the railways of the state of Chhattisgarh.

The original railway station of Nagpur was previously located east

of the current site. The present-day railway station in Nagpur was
established in 1924.

4.1.1.1. Context
Nagpur acts as the second capital of the state of Maharashtra and a
major tourist destination, and it is located near the center of the
country. Direct trains run from Nagpur to all major metros, New
Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

The under construction Nagpur Metro shall pass close to the DRM’s
office and run above the railway tracks along the exiting suspension
bridge.

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4.1.1.2. Location and Site

The railway station is located in the Central Business District of
Nagpur.

Figure 1: Nagpur Station Location Map

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4.1.2. Station Area Information

Area under encroachment, if any (m2) 0

Vacant land area available for 12085 m2

commercial development

Area under station building, tracks and 4,71,400 m2

platforms

Circulating area 56,834 m2

Mutation details Available

Existing land use in master plan Transportation use

(for Railways)

Circle rate (As per 2015) Rs 78,700 per m2

NOTE: The above is only for reference. Updated information will be

issued on the day of start of the registration

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Clause 4.2. Gwalior Station

4.2.1. History
Gwalior railway station is operated by North Central Railway Station
and is part of the Jhansi Division.

It is an important commercial railway station of the North Central

Railway of Indian Railways. Numerous Express train and about 150
other trains stop at Gwalior. Out of these about 10 trains originate
from Gwalior. Gwalior is, one of the few places where both narrow-
gauge and broad-gauge railway tracks are still operational. The
narrow-gauge track at Gwalior is the narrowest in India

4.2.2. Context
Gwalior is and one of the Counter-magnet cities of India and
occupies a strategic location in the Gird region of India. The city and
its fortress have been ruled by several historic northern Indian
kingdoms. Besides being the administrative headquarters
of Gwalior district and Gwalior division, Gwalior has many
administrative offices of the Chambal division of northern Madhya
Pradesh. Several administrative and judicial organisations,
commissions and boards have their state and national headquarters
situated in the city.

Gwalior was the winter capital of the state of Madhya Bharat which
later became a part of the larger state of Madhya Pradesh. Prior
to Indian independence on 15 August 1947, Gwalior remained a
princely state of the British Raj with the Scindia as the local rulers.
High rocky hills surround the city from all sides; on the north it just
forms the border of the Ganga- Yamuna Drainage Basin. The city
however is situated in the valley between the hills. Gwalior's
metropolitan area includes Gwalior city centre, Morar Cantonment,
Lashkar Gwalior (Lashkar Subcity), Thatipur.

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4.2.2.1. Location and Site

The railway station is located at the heart of Gwalior City.

Figure 2: Gwalior Station Location Map

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4.2.3. Station Area Information

Area under encroachment, if any (m2) 0

Vacant land area available for 9900 m2

commercial development

Vacant land area available for

9900
commercial development(m2)

Mutation details Available

For traffic facility

and station building
Existing land use in master plan
and circulating area
work

Circle rate 40000

Year 2015

NOTE: The above is only for reference. Updated information will be

issued on the day of start of the registration

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Clause 4.3. Baiyappanhalli Station, Bengaluru,

Karnataka
4.3.1. Context
Baiyappanhalli Station of Bengaluru has a small station building
with a few platforms. Unlike other stations of this International
Design Competition, Baiyappanhalli Station can be considered as a
Green field development.

Beiyappanhalli metro station and metro depot is located in railway

land near the railway station. The metro station is connected with
the Railway Station via a foot over bridge.

More Information related to Baiyappanhalli Station shall be provided

at start of registration.

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4.3.1.1. Location and Site

Figure 3: Baiyappanhalli Station Location Map

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