Private players allowed only in infrastructure: Rail Ministry

Railway Ministry on Wednesday said it has so far allowed infrastructure related investments in the rail sector, which is consistent with the government policy.

The Railway Ministry on Wednesday said it has so far allowed infrastructure related investments in the rail sector, which is consistent with the government policy.

Reacting to reports on private investment in the rail sector, the ministry said investment in container business was only to the extent of ownership of rolling stock and provision of container services as distinct from operation of such trains, which would be carried out by Indian Railways.

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As per the government's industrial policy, only railway transport is reserved for the public sector. Rail transport is defined as operation of freight and passenger trains and does not include ownership of track, rolling stock and other related infrastructure, the ministry said in a statement.

It also said foreign direct investment up to 100 per cent is permitted under the automatic route in railway infrastructure as long as train operations were not involved.