Indian Railways Clarified Only 5 Per Cent Private Trains Being Run By Private Operators

Private operators are operating five per cent of the additional trains. Railways will run the remaining 95 per cent trains. 

Rail News: Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav has dismissed the apprehension that private trains run by Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the country will be costlier in terms of passenger fares. Along with this, he said that private operators are operating only 5 per cent of the additional trains. Railways will run the remaining 95 per cent trains. Vinod Kumar Yadav said that private train operators cannot fix any travel fare, which is more in terms of AC buses and aeroplanes. He hoped that by April 2023, private trains would start running in the country.

Also Read: Sheshnag of Indian Railways Sets New Record by Operating 2.8 Km Long Train

Railways Trying to Use State-of-the-art Coaches in Trains

Talking to the media in Delhi, Yadav clarified that private operators are running only 5 per cent of the additional trains and the remaining 95 trains will be operated by the Railways. He said, “We are trying to use state-of-the-art coaches in railways as well.” He made it clear that Indian Railways would be responsible for the safety and security of railways, as well as the drivers and guards of these private trains. The private operators will only see the operation of the coach.

8.4 Crore Passengers Travelled by Trains in 2019

Yadav said that in the last 70 years, infrastructure development in railways was not taken care of. He said, “13.3 per cent of the reservation is not confirmed yet. We are trying to get everyone a train berth.” He said that according to an estimate, 8.4 crore passengers travelled by train in 2019. In 2030, this figure is likely to be 13 crores, while by 2040, 18 crores people will travel by train. In such a situation, it is necessary to make infrastructural development and arrangements required in the railways.

Railways are Going to Run 151 Private Trains 

Railways are soon going to run 151 private trains on different routes of India and have already started the exercise. Railways have asked for tenders from private companies for these trains running on 109 routes. IRCTC is currently operating two private Tejas trains in the country.

Also Read: Indian Railways will operate Third Private Tejas Train between Dehradun-Delhi

According to the Railway Ministry, while running a private train will employ many people, this will also take less travel time for commuters. Not only this, but travellers will also get security and world-class facilities. It is the first time that the Railways have invited bids from private companies to run trains. These trains will be run in 12 zones of the railway.

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