RailEnquiry

MUMBAI: Thane station is all set to emerge as the model suburban station as the railways has decided to undertake commercial exploitation of the air-space above the platform to generate revenue that can be channelized to improve passenger amenities. The Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA), on Monday, invited request for proposal for appointment of architectural and financial consultant for the commercial exploitation of Thane station. CR general manager Subodh Jain said, "Once the project is complete, Thane station will have modern amenities and obstacle-free platforms that will ensure faster dispersal of commuters." The commercial exploitation of airspace will be done above platform number 1. According to RLDA, 0.8 hectares of the land is available for the exploitation. There will be no structure above railway tracks. The cost and other potential revenue earnings from the commercial station are not known yet. However, railways may lease the developed property for 35 years to a successful bidder, who can lease or rent the developed space to build budget hotels, educational institute or commercial offices.

Jain said the railways has plans to demolish all the booking offices and other railways offices from ground floor and shift them to level 1 of the proposed building. "We plan to relocate the canteen to the first floor, where we can have a modern food plaza along with the canteen or a restaurant that will serve food at affordable rates. We also plan to build resting rooms and toilets on level 1 for commuters and the staff. The facade of the new building will have an aesthetic design and all the platforms can have escalators, better surface, furniture and fixtures," he said.

The height of the building may be restricted to ground plus 4 level. "Of the total revenue earned, one-third will be allotted to CR, which can utilize this funds to improve passenger amenities at the station," Jain said.