Though the detailed project report (DPR) of the SilverLine semi-high-speed railway project reveals generation of 5% non-ticketing revenue through other means, the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (K-Rail), a joint venture company for implementing the project, has plans to generate around 15-20% non-ticketing revenue by acquiring more land beyond station areas.
Speaking to The Hindu, a senior officer close to the K-Rail said after vetting the DPR, the Niti Ayog, the Centre government’s apex think-tank, stressed the need to generate 15-20% of non-ticketing revenue as per international standard to make the project economically viable. In countries such as Japan, the non-ticketing revenue accounts for around 40% of the total revenue.
“In Kerala, we have limitations to raise non-fare revenue beyond a certain limit, but K-Rail is hopeful of raising non-fare revenue by around 15-20% in the initial stage by creating a land bank, acquiring more land beyond the station area. The K-Rail authorities have recently floated a tender for assessing the feasibility of generating non-fare revenue. Though the company was selected, the awarding of the contract was not carried out in view of the current protest. But this is a part of the project and we will carry out the assessment once the social impact assessment is over,” said the source.
