Timeline set! Big confirmation by Ministry of Railways for introduction of private trains

In a major development, Ministry of Railways has issued an important clarification regarding timeline of introduction of private trains. Issuing the statement, Ministry of Railways said, "Kindly refer to the story in some of the publications regarding “Timeline of introduction of Private Trains”, where it's mentioned that "Private Trains project would start in March 2024”.

"While a clarification was posted in the media group yesterday i.e. 18th July 2020, the same is being reiterated once again. It may be noted that Private Trains are slated to run from March 2023 only," Ministry of Railways said.

"Tenders will be finalised by March 2021 and Trains will operate from March 2023," Ministry of Railways added. Further, Ministry of Railways says, "In case any misgiving has arisen due to any previous reason, the above mentioned facts may be taken as actual statement of fact."

Earlier, Ministry of Railways had confirmed that 151 trains to be run by private operators once the selection process is over, would be over and above the already existing trains. Ministry of Railways had recently invited Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for private participation for the operation of passenger train services over 109 Origin Destination (OD) pairs of routes through the introduction of 151 modern trains.

Here are key things to know related to this key development on 151 trains by private operators:-

- This is the first initiative of private investment for running Passenger Trains over Indian Railways network

- The project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore

- Majority of Trains to be manufactured in India (Make in India)

 - Trains shall be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph.

- There would be a substantial reduction in journey time.

- The running time taken by a train shall be comparable to or faster than the fastest train of Indian Railways operating in the respective route

- The private entity shall be responsible for financing, procuring, operation and maintenance of the trains

- These trains are going to run on the routes where there the demand for trains are already higher than the existing capacity

-The driver and guard of the trains will be Railway officials

-The safety clearance of trains will be done by Railways only

- The 109 OD Pairs have been formed into 12 Clusters across the Indian Railway network.

-Each Train shall have a minimum of 16 coaches