In a recently taken decision, the Western Railway (WR) has decided to set up a 'Family Mall' at the Dadar railway station. Officials have stated that the same is being planned in the premises, so that the passengers are able to visit the mall within the station limits, and will not have to go anywhere else for shopping.
As per the proposal drafted by WR, this will be called 'Family Mall' and will be developed on the foot over bridge. A contractor for the projected is expected to be appointed soon and similar malls might be also be developed at other stations across Mumbai.
The department plans to earn from the same as the project is being planned as a part of the non-fare revenue plan. It is learned that besides selling various items in the mall, the project will also include a play area and gaming zone for children, security and reception booths, a waiting area, ATMs, recreational areas and more.
The department plans to invite the tenders soon and the same will include aspects like development, maintenance and operations of the mall. Tenders are expected to close on June 7, 2021, and once the project is assigned to a contractor, the same will be valid for a period of 5 years.
In an interaction with the Free Press Journal, Sumit Thakur, Chief PRO of WR said, “The licensee will be entitled to the sub-let whole or part of the allotted space to any person, entity, national or international retail multi-brands and utility services. We are hoping to earn more than Rs 2.08 crore per annum without any capital expenditure."
The railway departments were not able to make substantial earnings in 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As per reports, Central Railways (CR) made a loss of INR 703 crore in the year, while WR lost Rs 636 crore. Furthermore, reports from 2019-20 state that CR earned INR 824 crore and Western Railway INR 754 crore in the financial year.
As of now, the proposed Family Mall will be located near the booking office of the foot over bridge (FoB) on the first floor of Dadar Station towards the east. Officials expect that the mall spreading over 500 sq.ft will help in generating revenue from retailers and other brands, besides the recreational services.
Meanwhile, the CR recently set up a comfortable waiting room at CSMT, post which officials have planned to develop the same at Dadar and LTT stations. Similarly, WR has planned to set up a waiting room at Mumbai Central Terminus. On the other hand, Salons will be developed at Andheri, Goregaon, Kandivali, Borivali, Mumbai Central.
Share
Tweet
