Land Ownership of Indian Railways: Extent, Use, and Commercial Potential
As of the latest available data, the Indian Railways owns approximately 1.9 million hectares (4.8 million acres) of land, making it the largest landowner in the country. This expansive portfolio not only includes railway tracks, stations, workshops, and other facilities but also spans a wide variety of commercial applications, from agriculture and industry to other developmental projects. This article delves into the extent of this landhold, its current use, and the vast commercial potential it represents.
Current Extent and Breakdown
According to recent reports, as of March 3, 2018, the Indian Railways owned approximately 4.77 lakh hectares (2929 square kilometers). This massive landholding can be compared to other regions of India. For instance, Goa, a much smaller state, has a total geographic area of around 3.7 lakh hectares, while Delhi, one of the most densely populated cities, has a total land area of about 1.48 lakh hectares. However, it's important to note that the ministry does not maintain state-wise data on its vacant land.
Land Parcels and Possession
The Indian Railways owns 31,063 land parcels spread over an area of 2929 square kilometers. These parcels can be converted to hectares using standard conversion factors. The detailed information on these land parcels was uploaded on the Government Land Information System (GLIS) in 2017. As of March 30, 2018, there were reports that 844.38 hectares of railway land was under unauthorized possession, but this information does not provide a state-wise breakdown.
Commercial Possibilities
Out of the total land held by the Indian Railways, about 90% is used for railway business-related activities, while the remaining 10% is considered vacant and available for commercial purposes. This vacant land represents a significant opportunity for expanding commercial activities, similar to the business models used in airport and port development.
Commercial land use can be likened to the development of aerocities or aerotropoli around major airports, where the focus is on generating city-side revenues to complement air-side operations. For railways, this can translate to developing the city-side of railway stations and terminals for commercial development, leveraging the vast foot traffic these locations can generate.
Coastal port trusts also engage in similar activities by developing land areas for logistics parks and other commercial ventures.
Opportunities and Challenges
The vast amount of idle land held by the Indian Railways presents both opportunities and challenges. The vacant land can be developed for various commercial purposes, thereby increasing revenues and contributing to the economic growth of the regions. However, realizing these opportunities requires targeted planning, infrastructure development, and effective governance to ensure the sustainable use of this valuable resource.
Moreover, such development needs to be in line with the Ministry of Railways' and governmental policies to ensure that the broader goals of social and economic development are not compromised.
Conclusion
The Indian Railways' extensive landholdings not only support its core railway operations but also present a multitude of opportunities for commercial expansion. As the country continues to grow, leveraging this land for various commercial purposes could play a significant role in fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens of India.