Hyundai to Hitachi: Big names of global transport evince interest in running private trains

TIL Desk/Business/New Delhi/ Global infra biggies like Hyundai, Hitachi, Mitsui, Bombardier, Mitsui, Alstom, Macquarie and Siemens are among the companies that have expressed interest in running private trains as per the policy formulated by the Railways.

The companies who have evinced interest in the private trains include Japanese names like Hitachi India, Mitsui & Co. and other global names like Hyundai Rotem, Bombardier Transportation, Alstom Transport, Siemens, Macquarie, CAF India, CRRC ZELC, GATX among others.

The Indian companies include Tata Realty, Adani Ports, Bharat Forge, KEC International, Essel Group, PSUs like IRCTC and BEML. The Group of Secretaries for this projected was constituted in October, 2019 and wide stakeholder consultations were conducted. The in principle approval of PPPAC has been received and 12 RFQs issued on July 1, one for each cluster.

The RFQ applicants to be shortlisted for submitting financial bid which are expected in 6-8 months. This will cover 5 per cent of existing 2800 Mail/ Express Rakes over Railways. The concession period is 35 years and the concessionaire to pay fixed haulage charges for path, stations, access to railway infrastructure and charges for electricity consumed.