Bengaluru: With a significant amount of additional space opening up at several railway stations in the city due to redevelopment, the South Western Railway (SWR) has kicked off work on its commercial utilisation.SWR’s Bengaluru division has invited consultants for the utilisation of newly developed spaces at KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur, Cantonment and other stations.According to the plan, the consultant will study, plan and support the commercial monetisation of these railway assets through which SWR expects significant non-fare revenue boost.“Yeshwantpur and Bengaluru Cantonment now feature newly constructed multi-storey station buildings with substantial built-up commercial space that has become available for monetisation, in addition to existing assets,” a source stated.At Yeshwantpur and Cantonment, SWR is planning to bring in retail, food and beverage outlets, food courts, and convenience stores. At these two stations, office spaces, business centres and co-working spaces are also under consideration.SWR is also planning to include the possibility of rooftop cafes, viewing decks and exhibition and event spaces in these new buildings.Along with these major stations, SWR also plans commercial utilisation of 19 other stations within the Bengaluru division, including Krishnarajapuram, Kengeri, Hosur and Tumakuru. An official stated that in these stations, redevelopment has created newly developed areas and modern facilities offering fresh commercial potential.The consultant is also tasked to support the railways in bringing investors to utilise the available space. SWR has clarified that all such commercial activities will be carried out in line with the aesthetics of the stations.Parties have been given time till July 21 to express their interest and the zone will take further time to evaluate their proposals. Once a consultant is on board, they will study these stations for the first three months. During the next six months, investors are expected to be onboarded through an auction of the space. As the project is year long, the consultant will be providing advisory support to SWR during its last three months.
