PPP model will be deployed for calling bids for Sonnagar-GOMOH section, says RN Singh
Indian Railways has formulated an ambitious investment program that primarily focuses upon the network capacity enhancement and advancement of core assets including tracks, network, station redevelopment, signaling upgradation and locomotive upgradation as well as plans to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030.
“Indian Railways has recently launched National Rail plan where the primary objective is to develop capacity ahead of demand and enhance the rail freight share from 27% to 45% by 2030 through massive capital investment,” RN Singh, Principal Executive Director (Infra) and Secretary, Railway Board, said while elaborating the program.
Addressing the ‘4th Smart Railway Conclave’ organized by FICCI, Singh said on 11 Mar 2022, “Indian Railways plans to electrify its entire broad-gauge network by December 2023 to achieve the goal of ‘net-zero’ carbon emission by 2030.”
Reliance on fossil fuel-based power for Indian Railways will be significantly reduced by 2030, he pointed out.
Singh stated that Indian Railways is currently focusing on railways share of freight and passenger transport on economic as well as environmental considerations.
He further shared that Indian Railways is a major participant in Gati Shakti launched by the government which is likely to become the game changer for infrastructure and logistics scenario.
“In addition, the focus has been on making policy interventions like introduction of new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy and the better use of recently launched PPP model for calling bids for the Sonnagar-GOMOH section,” Singh told delegates at the conclave.
“Year 2021 has been a ‘Year of Major Transformation and Achievements’ for Indian Railways,” observed BVN Rao, Chair, FICCI Transport Infrastructure Committee.
“It has witnessed an extraordinary growth in development of infrastructure, freight loading and diversification, enhanced safety, capacity expansion of network, freight train speed. The launch of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy will also be instrumental to fast-track approvals and increase the freight loading share of Indian Railways,” he said.
“Gati Shakti will contribute to the enhancement of multimodal logistics through the length and breadth of the country and will be a critical factor in the overall increasing share of railways in the transportation sector,” said Sandeep Selot, Co-Chair, FICCI Transport Infrastructure Committee. fiinews.com
