Retailers thump up railways move of complexes in station

Retail industry players today said the Railway Ministry's proposal to develop multi-functional complexes, with shopping malls and food stalls at various stations, will open up big opportunities for the sector.

Future Group, which operates retail chains like Pantaloons and Big Bazaar, said such a step will facilitate optimum utilisation of the huge railways infrastructure.

"This is an announcement which might well prove to be a big boost for growth of modern retail. Besides, the huge real estate of the Railways and its logistics capabilities will help us use the infrastructure as a supply chain," Future Group Chief Executive Officer Kishore Biyani told PTI.

Asked if the Future Group is likely to explore the Railway Ministry's proposal, Biyani said: "We have earlier explored the opportunity and we might again look at it."

While presenting the Railway Budget 2009-10, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the construction of multi-functional complexes at stations for providing facilities like shopping, food stalls and restaurants.

"It is proposed to take up development of these multi-functional complexes in different parts of the country at 50 railway stations, serving places of pilgrimage, industry and tourist interest this year," she said.