IR shortlists private investors for operating trains

As per recent developments, IR has shortlisted at least 13 players for operating private trains in 12 clusters. These include GMR Infrastructure Limited, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, L&T Infrastructure Development Projects, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Welspun Enterprises. The MoR had invited request for qualification bids for private participation in the operation of passenger train services in the 12 clusters through the introduction of 151 modern trains. This is the first major initiative of attracting private investment for running passenger trains on IR’s network and will entail private investment of about Rs 300 billion.