By inviting request for qualifications (RFQ) for participation on 109 pairs of routes through 151 modern trains, the Indian Railways on Wednesday, July 1, formally commenced its plans to rope in private players to operate passenger trains on its network.
The national transporter said that the project would entail a private sector investment of about Rs. 30,000 crore. Adding further, it said, “The objective of this initiative is to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world-class travel experience to passengers.”
Began last year with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introducing the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, this will be the first initiative for private investment for running passenger trains on the Indian Railways network. Currently, the Kashi Mahakal Express on the Varanasi-Indore route, the Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas and the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas are the three trains operated by IRCTC.