Railways to free up plots at Bushi Dam and Thane for theme parks, resorts

Railways to free up plots at Bushi Dam and Thane for theme parks, resorts

Profits generated from leasing out two plots, which measure over 10 hectares each, will be used for infrastructure and new rail projects on CR.

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), which deals with commercial exploitation of Railway property, is freeing up two plots in Thane and Lonavala, for setting up of resorts and theme parks.

The two plots include the popular Bushi Dam at Lonavala, where the Railways own 10.12 hectares of land, and a 12.82 hectare plot that houses Dighe Dam on the Thane Belapur Road.

The Delhi based RLDA has called for expressions of interest from hotel chains and establishments that own and run entertainment parks and picnic spots, who would be interested in taking up these plots on lease.

"The two plots at Dighe Dam and Bushi Dam will be given for commercial exploitation. We have called for bids from hotel chains and entertainment parks for setting up of theme parks and resorts here," RLDA General Manager Virendra Kumar told Mirror. "The places will be developed and the money earned will go to the CR kitty, as both these properties are located on Central Railway."

Bushi Dam is one of the most popular picnic spots in Lonavala, which a number of people from Mumbai and Pune flock to on weekends and especially during monsoon. It belonged to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, and is now part of Central Railway's property.

"After receiving proposals, we will evaluate the revenue that can be generated from commercial exploitation of these plots, and lease them out for periods of 30 to 45 years," said Kumar.

"Both these properties face water bodies. In fact, there is no major resort in the Thane-Navi Mumbai region, and the 13-acre plot at Dighe Dam offers huge potential. Being in close proximity to Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai, a resort here will surely attract huge crowds. Interested parties could also construct an IT park or offices, since it is close to the IT hub in Navi Mumbai," another Railway officer said.

Besides these two properties, the Railways are offering two more properties for development in Kerala. These plots involve 5.66 hectares at Peermade and 5.5 hectares on Pallanthurthi Island.

The profits generated from these ventures will be used for infrastructure and new rail projects on Central Railway.