India, Sept. 9 -- The Indian Railways has shortlisted a plot in Bandra West, which currently houses its staff quarters, for commercial exploitation. The plot, measuring 5-6 acres, is adjacent to the Western Railway tracks and the G7 multiplex. It is one among several plots in the city that the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), whose mandate covers commercial exploitation of IR's vast assets in land, is hoping to lease out in a bid to raise revenues.

"RLDA and Western Railway will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for redevelopment of the existing railway quarters in Bandra West and commercial development of spare land," a senior railway official told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity. "This is probably the first...