Rail Minister for more public-pvt partnerships

The private sector is set to play a greater role in the execution of railway
projects.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad made it clear in his budget on Friday that his ministry would encourage public-private partnership for developing and expanding the railway network.

According to the minister, for starters, rail-linked container depots and
integrated logistic parks have to be created to make the new container
policy a success and to increase the railways' share in non-bulk freight
business.

According to the minister, the railways has enough land at its goods sheds
that could be used for the purpose. The minister is also of the opinion that
public-private partnership schemes would be ideal to set up these depots and logistic parks.

The minsitry is optimistic that the private sector is equally keen to participate in such ventures.  According to the minister, around Rs 250 crore has been raised for the manufacture of 25 rakes under the Wagon Investment Scheme launched last year.

The policy of allowing private parties to run container trains has been well received. According to the minister, 14 applicants have deposited Rs 540 crore as registration fee. The eligible applicants would be permitted to run container trains before 31 March.

The minister had also stated that the Railways will not allow resource constraints to hamper expansion of networks, and therefore such public-private partnerships would be encouraged. 'To this end, a level playing field under a transparent policy will be provided to investors by further simplifying the policy of public-private partnership,' the minister said.