(a): whether the Railways have formulated any action plan for commercial utilization of
surplus railway land including prime properties in cities and towns for establishing
chain of luxury Budget Hotels;
(b): if so, whether the General Managers of Zonal Railways have been given
discretionary powers to release such land;
(c): if so, state-wise details of the sites identified thereof; and
(d): the criteria fixed for utilization of such land?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R.VELU)
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. Railway land, which is not required in foreseeable future for
Railways` operational use and having commercial potential, is proposed to be utilised
for commercial purposes including Budget hotels. General Managers of the Zonal
Railways have been delegated powers for commercial use of railway land upto 1000
square meter. Sites more than 1000 require approval of Railway Board. State-wise
details are not maintained. However, Zone-wise details of sites identified for
commercial usitlization and budget hotels are enclosed as Appendix I & II.