Indian Railways will have 150 private trains to start with, we are still working on the routes that will go for bidding: Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav
Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav makes it clear that the Indian Railways is readying bidding documents to bring in private train operators, in an interview with ET. This indicates the move of Indian Railways to privatisation.
Moreover, by December 2021, Indian Railways should be able to complete a dedicated freight corridors (DFCs) connecting Delhi and Mumbai, and Delhi and Howrah (Kolkata).
At present, the permissible maximum speed for freight trains is 60 kmph. But the dedicated freight corridors(DFCs) are being developed for 100 kmph. All this would mean that 90% of freight traffic on these routes will shift to DFCs.
Chairman Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav on the issue of future of private train operation in Indian Railways. https://t.co/43SOR1QiYS
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 22, 2019
Meanwhile, the Union cabinet has approved nearly Rs 13,000 crore to upgrade the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata route for trains running at 160 kmph.
Indian Railways Privatisation: In next 5 years, no waiting lists
In 4-5 years, the railways will be able to run trains according to demand. There will be no waiting lists.
But that will also mean that a large number of new trains will be required. The role of the private trains comes in here.
Private operators are expected to bring in their own trainsets, state-of-the-art technology and innovative ways of providing passenger facility and finding new luggage-handling solutions.
To prove the concept of private train operations works, Indian Railways recently handed over two luxurious rakes called Tejas to our own company, IRCTC. It is an experiment before allowing pure private operators.
There will be a pick up and drop facilty after privatisation?
Now, IRCTC has announced value additions such as Rs 25 lakh insurance on every ticket, wheelchairs, home pick-up and delivery of luggage, etc. IRCTC can even pick you up from your home and drop you at the station.
In Delhi and Lucknow (to be connected by the IRCTC-run train by October 4), passengers can also avail accommodation at retiring room.
The Indian Railways privatisation will begin with 150 private trains. They are still working on the routes that will go for bidding.
They will run these trains in the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors and also in other feasible routes.
The railways hoping private trains should run by 2023-24. And for that to happen, the bidding process needs to be initiated soon.
Moreover, Indian Railways is also creating better facilities like Braille signage for visually impaired passengers at its various Railway stations and in train’s, so they can easily locate their platform, coaches and seat etc.
Indian Railways : Creating better facilities like Braille signage for visually impaired passengers at its various Railway stations and in train's, so they can easily locate their platform, coaches and seat etc. pic.twitter.com/WW1ButJJb2
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 20, 2019
Don’t worry, there will be a regulator like TRAI and IRDA
Most importantly, when private train operators are brought in, the railways will need a regulator, the authority will take a call on disputes, including those on routes and fares.
However, before taking a final call, the railways will consult all stakeholders, which include trade unions. It will ensure interests of railway employees are fully protected.
Bhubaneswar railway station will be developed world-class
Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal recently tweeted, Odisha’s Bhubaneswar railway station to be developed into a first-of-its-kind, world-class multi-modal transport hub.
This transport hub will harbour a railway station, city bus terminal, car parking and other public utilities.
Odisha's Bhubaneswar railway station to be developed into a first-of-its-kind, world-class multi-modal transport hub.
— Piyush Goyal Office (@PiyushGoyalOffc) September 21, 2019
This transport hub will harbour a railway station, city bus terminal, car parking and other public utilities.
Take a look:https://t.co/vcp7jPqFn6