Rlys may get freedom to run freight corridor

The finance ministry and the Planning Commission have apparently arrived at a consensus and agreed to give the railways autonomy in running the freight corridor project.

In fact, sources say the big-ticket project "" which would cost Rs 27,000 crore during the current phase "" will most likely be set up as a public sector enterprise.

According to sources, the agreement was arrived at the second meeting of the Group of Ministers today.

Officers close to the development also said that the selection to the posts of the chairman and directors for the proposed PSU would be done by the Public Enterprises Selection Board from a pool of officers in the railway ministry.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said discussions with the finance minister and Planning Commission had been productive.

He also said the suggestions of the GoM would now be placed before the Cabinet, which would take the final decision.