Areas identified for possible execution through public private participation (PPP) include development of world-class railway stations, setting up of SPVs for manufacturing of locomotives, coaches and rolling stock components, operation of container trains and special freight trains, investment in port and other connectivity works, private freight terminals and automobiles and ancillary hubs, bottling plants for clean drinking water etc.

Ministry of Railways has completed three rail-connectivity projects under Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) mode and four more SPVs have started taking up projects.  The details are :

(1)               Completed Projects :

i.                    Surendra Nagar-Pipavav gauge conversion

ii.                  Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion

iii.                Gandhidham-Palanpur gauge conversion

`           (2)        Under Construction Projects :

i.                    Haridaspur-Paradip new Railway line

ii.                  Obullavaripalli-Krishnapatnam new Railway line

iii.                Bharuch-Dahej gauge conversion and

iv.                Angul-Sukinda New line.

Bidding process under Joint Venture (JV)/Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for locomotive, coach and component factories has already been initiated.  Development of world-class stations is at a preparatory stage.  Private sector has evinced keen interest in participation in railway projects.

             This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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