Question : FDI IN RAILWAYS

(a) whether the Railways propose to adopt new technology to maintain passenger services and safety norms and to check irregularity and crimes in Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Railways in this regard;

(c) whether the proposal to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Railways is under consideration of the Government and if so, the present status thereof including the areas in which FDI is proposed for approval;

(d) whether the Railways propose to set up certain locomotive units in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise/Zone-wise including Bihar and Punjab and the steps taken by the Railways in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) & (b): The adoption of technologies to maintain passenger services and safety norms and to check irregularity and crimes in Railways is an ongoing process. The initiatives in this regard include introduction of Escalators, Coach Guidance System, Train Indication Board, Wi-Fi and CCTV at platforms, Modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) Coaches and Solid State Interlocking etc.

(c): Yes, Madam. Government of India has already permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in construction, operation and maintenance of:

(i) Suburban corridors through Public Private Partnership (PPP);

(ii) High speed train projects;

(iii) Dedicated freight lines;

(iv) Rolling stock including trains sets and locomotive/coaches manufacturing and maintenance facilities;

(v) Railway electrification;

(vi) Signaling system;

(vii) Freight terminal;

(viii) Passenger terminal;

(ix) Infrastructure in industrial park pertaining to railway line/siding;

(x) Mass Rapid Transport System.

Further, Ministry of Railways have issued Sectoral Guidelines for Foreign Direct Investment in Railways.

(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. These are:

(i) Electric Locomotive Manufacturing Unit, Madhepura (Bihar)

(ii) Diesel Locomotive Manufacturing Unit, Marhowra (Bihar)

The short listing of bidders for both these projects has concluded.