Guwahati: Indian railway ministry has finally sought investments from private companies to run passenger trains on 109 routes on Wednesday, July 2. The project would entail a private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore.
It has been reported that the 109 routes have been formed into 12 clusters across the rail network and each train shall have a minimum of 16 coaches. The main aim of this project is to introduce modern technology with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, improved safety, better job opportunities, and world-class travel experience for the passengers.
The railway ministry announced that the majority of the trains running under this project would be made-in-India.
The Private entity will help in financing, procuring, operating, and maintaining the trains. It would also be held responsible for paying haulage charges, energy charges, and a share in Gross revenue to the Indian Railways, it said.
According to official reports, trains shall be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph to "reduce transit time substantially." The railway ministry issued what is known as a request for qualification (RFQ) for a private company to run 151 trains spread over these routes, laying down specific conditions that will need to be met in a move that is meant to "introduce modern technologies and world-class services" for one of India's most popular modes of transport.
The ministry also stated that the operation will have to conform to key performance indicators like punctuality, reliability, upkeep of trains, etc.
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