close_game
close_game

Private players to run trains on key routes: Indian Railways

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByAnisha Dutta
Sep 24, 2019 08:03 PM IST

The Indian Railways decision comes under the 100-day agenda of the national transporter to hand over operations of the trains to private players on key routes.

The Indian Railways is mulling the idea of handing over operations of more trains to private players in the coming days on several important routes with improved services and amenities for passengers.

The Indian Railways is handing over operations of more trains to private players in the coming days.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images/ Representative image)
The Indian Railways is handing over operations of more trains to private players in the coming days.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images/ Representative image)

A letter sent on Monday, a copy of which has been reviewed by Hindustan Times, by the Railways Board to all zonal railways’ principal chief operating managers has instructed the zones to hold a meeting on Friday to finalise the proposed routes and study their viability.

The proposed routes for long distance travel are: Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Jammu/Katra, Delhi-Howrah, Secunderabad-Hyderabad, Secunderabad-Delhi, Delhi- Chennai, Mumbai-Chennai, Howrah-Chennai and Howrah-Mumbai.

The plan also, for the first time, includes suburban rail in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Secunderabad.

Indian Railways in June had also given approval to its subsidiary, Indian Railway Catering, and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), for running the Tejas Express between Delhi-Lucknow and Ahmedabad-Mumbai on a pilot basis. The trains would operate with a minimum of 12 coaches for one year.

Hindustan Times on September 9 had reported the plan is part of the ministry’s 100 days’ action plan approved in June. At present, the railways has decided to hand over two rakes to the IRCTC to operate. It will open more rakes to private operators over the next few years through an open bidding process.

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
See More
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On