PM takes stock of transport ministries

20 railway projects identified for FDI

Twenty projects across 10 sectors of the railways have been identified for foreign direct investment, said the the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.

The announcement was made after a meeting of the transport infrastructure ministries and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has decided to allow cent per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the railways.

During the meeting, Modi reviewed the progress of work to achieve the targets in the connectivity-related infrastructure sectors of roads, railway, shipping and civil aviation. He said the development vision of various connectivity-related infrastructure sectors should be inter-related and closely coordinated.

The PM also said he looked forward to a special meeting with all coastal states to discuss the sectors of infrastructure, coastal security, island development, tourism, entertainment and biodiversity in an integrated and holistic manner.

Modi said the Sagarmala project must lay stress on “port-led development” — which will include various connectivity elements including ports, international shipping, highways and rail.

Reviewing the civil aviation sector, the PM said the states should be made partners in working out and maintaining the viability of new international airports to be set up within their territory. The PM expressed satisfaction over the beginning of work at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim. With the beginning of the second route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the thrust of Sikkim as an organic state, this airport would be able to cater to a huge demand for air services.

A new civil aviation policy is under preparation. During the meeting it was mentioned that the Railways have also designed and fabricated a new wagon specifically for transport of salt. The new wagon will ensure a 40 per cent increase in the carrying capacity.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for faster inter-ministerial coordination and resolution of issues, and laid stress on achieving visible results in clear timeframes.

During the course of the review, the PM directed strict monitoring of projects, based on monthly completion targets. Emphasising that there is now no delay in decision-making at the highest level, the PM said it should now be possible to achieve all infrastructure targets. He urged top officials to undertake cyber-visits of all major project locations at least once a month, so that they could keep track of the progress on a real-time basis.