No proposal to privatize rail operation
The government is allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) since from 28.08.2017 through automatic route in Railway Infrastructure sector, according to an update given in Rajya Sabha.
This is for technological upgrade and modernization of Railways via:
(i) Suburban corridor projects through PPP,
(ii) High speed train project;
(iii) Dedicated freight lines;
(iv) Rolling stock including train sets and locomotives/coaches manufacturing and maintenance facilities;
(v) Railway Electrification;
(vi) Signalling systems;
(vii) Passenger terminals;
(ix) Infrastructure in industrial part pertaining to railway line/sidings including electrified railway lines and connectivities to main railway line; and
(x) Mass Rapid Transport Systems.
Outlining these options, Minister of State of Railways Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2018, said there is no proposal to privatise any area of operation of Railways.
However, Public Private Partnerships and out-sourcing of certain facilities like cleaning, pay and use toilets, retiring rooms, parking etc. is done on need based manner to improve efficiency. Fiinews.com
