Multi-functional complexes at Kurla Terminus, Vasai station soon

The railways has drafted plans for multi-level car parking and a host of passenger amenities like quality food stalls and restaurants at the proposed multi-functional complex (MFC) stations at Kurla Terminus and Vasai stations.

With railway minister Mamata Banerjee setting up a year’s deadline for the project, officials have begun hectic activity detailing the project plans.     

The railways introduced the concept of MFCs at stations in 2009-10 for providing facilities to passengers at a centralised complex. It was also aimed at improving and upgrading the existing amenities in cities of tourist and religious importance.    

“While at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at Kurla we have identified a 1,500 sq m area, an area of 1,458 sq m has been identified for Vasai. Both the sites are under study,” a top official said.    

“MFCs will provide multiple facilities like shopping, food stalls/restaurants, book stalls, PCO booths, ATMs, medicine and variety stores, budget hotels, parking spaces and other similar amenities to rail users at the stations. In Mumbai, given the crowd and sheer number of users, we are drafting a plan for multi-level parking,” he added.     

Explaining the process, he said, “Sites are being offered on 30/45-year lease on upfront lease premium or revenue sharing basis through a memorandum of undertaking to public sector units and through open bidding process to private sector.”   
The ministry of railways has so far sanctioned 67 and 93 MFC sites across the country in 2009-10 and 2010-11.