RLDA Invites Bids for ₹210 Crore Commercial Leasing at Lucknow Railway Station
3.58 Lakh Sq. Ft. Built-Up Area Offered on 45-Year Revenue Share Model for Retail, Offices, and Hotel Development
The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has invited bids through an e-tender process for the leasing of a substantial built-up area at Lucknow Railway Station. This initiative aims to unlock commercial potential at one of Uttar Pradesh’s busiest rail hubs, transforming underutilized spaces into revenue-generating assets while enhancing passenger amenities and urban integration.
According to the latest details from RLDA’s official website and tender portals, the authority is offering approximately 3,58,568.65 square feet (around 33,325 square meters) of built-up area for lease on a long-term basis of 45 years. The leasing will operate under the Revenue Share Model, where the successful bidder shares a percentage of revenues generated from the development with RLDA, ensuring sustained income for the railways without upfront capital expenditure from the government.
The commercial use permitted includes a mix of retail outlets, office spaces, and hotel development, allowing for a vibrant multi-purpose complex. This could feature shopping arcades, corporate offices, hospitality services, and other allied facilities, capitalizing on the high footfall at Lucknow Railway Station—a major junction on the Northern Railway network serving millions of passengers annually. The station’s strategic location in the state capital positions it ideally for such developments, potentially boosting local economy, employment, and tourism.
The tender, referenced under RLDA’s RFP for commercial built-up area (CBUA), was issued around mid-February 2026 (with NIT dated February 19, 2026), and an addendum was released shortly after on February 24, 2026. Bidders must register and download documents from the e-procurement portal at www.tenderwizard.in/RLDAThe estimated project value stands at approximately INR 210 crore, with an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 1.28 crore and a tender document fee of around INR 88,500 (including GST). The bid submission deadline is set for April 14, 2026, up to 15:00 hours, followed by opening shortly thereafter.
This move aligns with RLDA’s broader mandate to monetize railway land and air space for non-railway commercial purposes, funding infrastructure upgrades and passenger facilities. Lucknow Railway Station has been part of ongoing redevelopment efforts, including station modernization under schemes like Amrit Bharat Station, though this specific leasing focuses on commercial exploitation of existing or developable built-up spaces rather than full structural overhaul.
The Revenue Share Model has proven effective in previous RLDA projects across cities like Gurugram, Prayagraj, and others, where similar leasing of built-up areas for retail, offices, and hotels has attracted private investment. Interested developers, real estate firms, hospitality chains, and consortia are expected to participate, given Lucknow’s growing status as a commercial and educational hub in northern India.
RLDA emphasized that the development must comply with all regulatory norms, including building codes, environmental clearances, and integration with station operations to minimize disruption to rail services. Successful implementation could set a precedent for similar initiatives at other high-traffic stations, contributing to Indian Railways’ vision of self-sustaining, world-class infrastructure.
Bidders are advised to review the full RFP documents, including any further addendums, on the official portal for eligibility criteria, technical specifications, and evaluation parameters. This tender represents a significant opportunity to partner with the railways in creating modern, revenue-generating commercial ecosystems at prime transit locations.
