In the letter from Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, that was sent to all the zones of the Indian Railways (IR) after the presentation of the Union Budget, he wrote, “Although we enjoy the highest captive eyeballs in a railway system internationally, we earn less than 5% of our revenue through non-tariff sources. Many of the world railway systems generate 10 to 20% of their revenues from non-tariff sources.”
The letter went to say that within next five years, the Railways would seek to monetise its assets and undertake other revenue-yielding activities. It also asked all the zones to come up with more ideas to raise earnings.
The Western Railway seems to be a step ahead, having already submitted a proposal to IR subsidiary, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, to construct and run food plazas at railway stations. “Within the next six months, we will have food plazas at a few railway stations,” says Saurabh Prasad, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, WR. “The food quality will be of higher grade and hygiene will be maintained.”
24x7 service
WR has identified seven locations (Churchgate, Dadar, Andheri, Bhayender, Vasai Road, Vapi and Valsad) and was examining the viability of four more (Palghar, Borivali, Bandra Terminus, Boisar). These plazas will be operational 24 hours a day, and offer Indian, Continental, Chinese, and fast food.
