Private Sector Participation and Investment in Railways

(a) & (b):  Yes, Sir. Ministry of Railways has identified areas for private participation and investments which will develop, strengthen and expand railway network and operation. These include building/strengthening of rail connectivities, private container train operations, building private freight terminals, wagon investment/leasing schemes and redevelopment of stations.

A policy for participative models for rail connectivity and capacity augmentation was issued in December, 2012. Total investment of Rs. 10,000 crores has been committed in 19 rail projects.

Private operation of container trains was permitted in 2006 and since then private operators have procured 128 rakes and developed 14 new terminals with an investment of about Rs. 5,000 crore.

Private freight terminal policy was launched in 2010 and 20 terminals have been notified for commercial working generating an investment of approximately Rs. 384 crores.

Procurement of 21 rakes under Liberalized Wagon Investment Scheme with investment of Rs. 488 crores and 6 rakes under Automobile Freight Train Operator scheme (AFTO) with investment of Rs. 80 crores have been made. Approval for procurement of 3 rakes under Special Freight Train Operator Scheme (SFTO) with investment of Rs. 36 crores have been granted. Leasing of 12 rakes by leasing companies to container train operators has resulted in an investment of Rs. 24 crores.

Five stations i.e. Habibganj, Chandigarh, Bijwasan, Shivajinagar and Anand Vihar have been entrusted to Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) for redevelopment. Draft master plan and feasibility reports have been prepared for the same.

STARRED QUESTION NO. 47

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND INVESTMENT IN RAILWAYS

*47.     SHRI K.C. TYAGI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Railways have identified areas for private sector participation and investment in development activities to strengthen and expand railway operations and network, if so, the details thereof; and

(b)  the projection of funds flowing from private sector participation in development activities of Railways?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)

(a) & (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

(As above)