Mumbai and Delhi receive maximum applications for private trains

As per reports, several private players are eyeing the proposed private trains on the routes of Mumbai and Delhi.

Moreover, 120 applications have been received for the 12 clusters, from 15 applicant firms including 21 applications for the Mumbai clusters. Earlier on October 7, the Indian Railways had opened the applications submitted by several entities responding to the request for qualifications (RFQ) for PPP (public-private partnership) in passenger trains operations project.

Back in July, the Indian Railways had stated that private operators will operate only 5 per cent trains under Public Private Partnership while rest 95 per cent will be operated by Indian Railways. According to sources, this project would entail private sector investment of about ₹30,000 crores.

On the other hand, the Indian Railways had earlier stated that it has been planning to redevelop the New Delhi Railway Station and the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal with cutting edge modern amenities and facilities for passengers. The Railways is aiming for fresh community space for the public as well as easy and clog-free connectivity to the stations with ultra-modern advanced commercial hotspots. 

According to a ministry press release, the railways is seeking private partnership to revamp the station complexes with capital funding of ₹4,925 crores and ₹1,642 crores for New Delhi and Mumbai respectively.