RAIL India Technical & Economic Services has produced ambitious plans for the commercial development of underused space at a number of stations across the country. The expansion of retail facilities, food outlets and advertising potential is being studied at various locations, including Sealdah, Howrah, Bandra East, New Delhi, and the Kolkata and Chennai metros.

A car service facility could be created at the Grass Siding area of Sealdah, and a budget hotel is being considered for the upper floor of the existing Sealdah station building. Plans for the Kolkata metro include housing on rooftops, and more shops, offices, warehousing and kiosks. A 4·8 Ha office and retail development is planned between Bandra East and West. Five Chennai metro stations could see commercial developments designed to take advantage of the increased number of passengers when the second phase opens in 2002.

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