In a recent bid, the Indian Railways has asked private companies to submit proposals and offers to operate private passenger trains in the country for the first time ever. As per a statement released by the authorities, the Indian Railways has asked various private firms in the country to submit bids for running about 151 private passenger trains over 109 origin-destination routes.
This is a one-of its kind step to be undertaken by the Indian government keeping in mind private investment in running passenger trains. The Indian Railways had taken a major step in this context last year when it introduced the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express.
Talking about the importance & inclusion of private investors in running passenger trains, Vinayak Chatterjee, the chairman of Feedback Infra Group, a leading infrastructure services company told the media, “Critical to the success of the government’s move to allow private players to run trains would be the presence of an independent regulator to ensure a level playing field for all companies.”
The initiative is looked upon as a measure of strengthening & revamping the current stature and system of trains & Indian railways. The step will also be one of the major players in enhancing the economy of the country after the COVID-19 pandemic.