Indian Railways to invite pvt players to run trains on select routes

The Indian Railways may soon induct private operators to run passenger trains on low congestion and tourist routes. According to a report by Times of India, a Railway Board document mentions that the government will invite bids in this regard in the next 100 days.

The report states that in the initial phase the railways will offer two trains to its catering, tourism and ticketing wing IRCTC, to run. While IRCTC will look after the ticket and boarding services, the railways will receive a lump sum amount in exchange.

The trains will be run which connect important tourist hotspots and have low congestion rate like the Golden Quadrilateral.

In a letter to top railway officials railway board chairman VK Yadav said the railways will issue notifications to “identify operators willing to participate in the bidding process for rights to run passenger day/overnight train sets connecting important cities.” The railway will be inviting private players to run trains after discussion with trade unions.

The railways also plans to launch a campaign to urge people to give up subsidy while purchasing a ticket. It will recover almost 53% of the cost incurred from passenger transport business, the TOI report stated.

The railways also proposes to corporatize units manufacturing coaches and other rolling stock.