(a) whether the Railways have signed an agreement as Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) for transportation of materials;
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) whether the Railways have made any assessment of its profitability before
signing such MoU;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) the details of the further steps taken by the Railways in this regard?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI LALU PRASAD )
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 159 BY
SHRI ABU AYES MONDAL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 08.03.2007 REGARDING
TRANSPORTATION OF MATERIALS
(a) & (b): Railways have entered into agreement with Container Operators for
transportation of Containers. Under the agreement, the operators will perform
marketing and commercial functions, invest in Rolling Stock and develop Container
Terminals. However, Railways would continue to run these trains on its network.
(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. This will help Railways to carry additional container traffic
and reduce public investments in procurement of Rolling Stock, container handling
equipments, development of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and other related
infrastructure. This in turn will help Railways to increase its market
share of container traffic.
(e): The scheme has been opened for further participation by other possible
operators. So far, one response has been received.