In a move to capitalise on unused railway station land and enhance the commuting experience, four railway stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are poised to introduce dome cinemas for the enjoyment of passengers and locals. Central Railway (CR) has unveiled a plan to harness free land resources and boost non-fare revenue. 

Under this ambitious scheme, temporary dome cinemas will be set up on the premises of select stations, offering a unique cinematic experience to the public. The four stations shortlisted for this project are Dombivli, Khopoli, Igatpuri, and Juchandra (Naigaon-E).

Central Railways invite bids

The concept is simple yet interesting. According to a Mid-Day report quoting an official, CR has invited bids from interested parties to establish and operate pre-fabricated cine domes at these stations. These domes will serve as fully-equipped theatres, showcasing a wide array of films, from the latest blockbusters to documentaries. Moreover, a range of meals, snacks, and beverages will be available for visitors, the report added.

Each location will have a designated area of approximately 5,000 square feet for the dome, customised to meet the unique requirements of the station. The initiative aims to add vibrancy and entertainment to these transit hubs.

No permanent structures and pricing model

However, a key stipulation in this project is the absence of permanent structures. The cine domes must be temporary, preserving the integrity of the station premises. Those who wish to set up these domes will bear the costs and responsibilities of their management, including crowd control, the official further said.

The annual reserve prices for the locations are as follows: Rs 47,85,400 for Dombivli, Rs 35,82,000 for Juchandra, Rs 17,10,400 for Igatpuri, and Rs 23,31,100 for Khopoli. Initially, CR will rent these spaces for a year, with the potential for long-term expansion.

Read Next