Overwhelming response to the bidding process
The introduction of modern technology rolling stock in Passenger Train Operations will bring in a paradigm shift in passenger experience by significantly enhancing the quality of service following the private sector participation.
The private sector operator trains will also reduce transit time and supply-demand deficit, said the Ministry of Railways (MOR) which has set 8 Sept 2020 for opening the Request for Qualification (RfQ) from the private sector.
The privately-run project will augment the availability of transportation services for the public, said MOR on 12 August 2020, adding that these trains will be in addition to trains already being run by Railways.
The introduction of these additional private trains is expected to boost jobs.
The private partners for undertaking the project will be selected through a two-stage competitive bidding process comprising of RFQ and Request for Proposal (RFP).
The first pre-Application Conference was held on 21 July 2020.
Post first pre-application conference, MOR has reduced the RFQ fee by one-tenth for participating in more than one project, removed the restriction of up to 3 projects per bidder and clarified that leasing of trains is allowed.
MoR has also shared traffic data, draft concession agreement, draft feasibility report and draft manual for standards and specifications of trains etc.
As part of the Bidding Process, MoR received an overwhelmingly positive response, with participation from about 23 prospective applicants with varied profiles, to its second Pre-Application Conference on 12 August.
The applicants highly appreciated the decision of MoR to share relevant documents of the project in a transparent manner.
The conference discussed the overview of the terms of the RfQ and contours of the project followed by a detailed discussion on the queries raised by the prospective Applicants – with clarifications provided by the officials of MoR and NITI Aayog, facilitating improved clarity on the provisions of RFQ and the bidding process.
The applicants raised queries on a number of issues that were addressed and clarified.
Further, the applicants were advised to follow all instructions given in RFQ for the submission of RFQ.
The responses to the second pre-application conference will be uploaded by 21 Aug 2020.
The documents for the Project including RfQ, Corrigendum to RfQ, draft Concession Agreement,
Feasibility Report are available on https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app captioned a “train operation”.
The draft Manual of Specifications and Standards for the Trains are uploaded on https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/ seeking comments from stakeholders. #rail #private #investors #trains #technologies /fiinews.com
