India, Aug. 9 -- Local train commuters may soon be able to pick up vegetables, groceries, meals or even dry-cleaning orders as they make their way to work or returning home, without having to make an additional stop outside the railway station.

The Indian Railways has finalised a policy to monetise vacant spaces on elevated station decks and areas above foot overbridges at some of Mumbai's busiest suburban stations. Railway authorities are now preparing tender documents to invite operators to set up retail outlets, kiosks, restaurants, cafes, grocery and vegetable stores and other commercial establishments on these spaces.

The proposal is aimed at turning otherwise underutilised railway infrastructure into convenient retail spaces for p...