(a) whether the Indian Railways has come out with a Concept Paper on Rail Development Authority (RDA);
(b) if so, the aims and objectives of the RDA;
(c) the details of functions of the RDA;
(d) whether the recommendations of the RDA are persuasive in nature or are binding on the Railways; and
(e) if so, the salient features/structure of the said Authority?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a): Yes, Madam. Ministry of Railways had brought out a concept paper for public consultation on setting up of Rail Development Authority of India. Based on inputs received from stakeholders, a proposal for setting up of RDA has been approved by Government.
(b) & (c): Some of the aims and objectives of Rail Development Authority are: pricing of services commensurate with costs; enhancement of Non Fare Revenue; protection of consumer interests by ensuring quality of service and cost optimization; competition, efficiency and economy; market development; creation of positive environment of investment; benchmarking of service standards against international norms; providing framework for non-discriminatory open access to Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC); absorption of new technologies for achieving efficiency and performance standards; and human resource development to achieve any of its stated objectives. Rail Development Authority’s envisaged functions pertain to the above aims and objectives.
(d) & (e): It is envisaged that RDA comprising a Chairman and three Members shall make recommendations to Government for appropriate consideration/decision.
*****