New Delhi: Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi on Monday advocated commercial exploitation of stations instead of fare hike to shore up the railway finances.
"While the fare hike will achieve Rs 3000 crore or Rs 4000 crore, commercial utilisation of stations will earn us much more," Trivedi said while giving away railway awards at the annual function here.
Trivedi said he wants to develop stations on the lines of Airport Authority of India as centers of multiple activities.
"Stations can be modernised with facilities like multiplex, restaurant, library and offices at it premises. We are setting up a Railway Stations Development Corporation for the wholesome development of stations," he added.
Trivedi said that in this recession period which has affected developed countries of Europe and America adversely, the whole world is looking towards India which has maintained an 8 percent economic growth.
The minister pointed out that safety of rail operation is being accorded the highest priority "as safety never sleeps".
PTI
