BENGALURU: The South Western Railway (SWR) is starting work on the commercial utilization of newly developed spaces at various railway stations in the city, thanks to recent redevelopment efforts.
The Bengaluru division of SWR has called for consultants to assist in utilizing the expanded areas at KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur, Cantonment, and others.
The consultant’s role will involve studying, planning, and supporting the commercial monetization of these railway assets, which is expected to significantly boost SWR’s non-fare revenue.
According to a source, “Yeshwantpur and Bengaluru Cantonment now boast newly constructed multi-storey station buildings with extensive commercial space that is ripe for monetization, in addition to existing assets.”
SWR plans to introduce retail shops, food and beverage outlets, food courts, and convenience stores at Yeshwantpur and Cantonment. The possibility of office spaces, business centers, and co-working spaces is also being explored.
Additionally, SWR is considering integrating rooftop cafes, viewing decks, as well as exhibition and event spaces into these new buildings.
Beyond these major stations, SWR aims to commercialize 19 other stations within the Bengaluru division, including Krishnarajapuram, Kengeri, Hosur, and Tumakuru. An official emphasized that the recent redevelopment has opened up new areas and modern facilities for commercial opportunities.
The consultant will also help engage investors to utilize the available spaces. SWR has confirmed that all commercial activities will align with the aesthetic of the stations.
Interested parties have until July 21 to submit their expressions of interest, and the zone will require additional time to assess the proposals. Once a consultant is selected, they will evaluate the stations for the first three months. The following six months will involve onboarding investors through an auction of the spaces. Since the project spans a year, the consultant is expected to provide advisory support to SWR during the last three months.
