15 companies, including IRCTC, GMR submit applications to operate passenger trains

The ministry of railways had invited request for qualification (RFQ) for private participation in operation of passenger train services over 12 clusters comprising 140 origin destination pairs of routes through introduction of 151 modern Trains to...

By ET Bureau | Updated: Oct 08, 2020, 10.59 AM IST

Indian Railways' privatisation initiative: Is it a clash between need for modernisation vs social obligations?

New Delhi: Cube Highways, GMR Highways, IRCTC, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are among 15 companies which have submitted applications to qualify for operating passenger trains in the country. In all, 150 applications were received for 12 clusters where private trains will be operated.

However, Alstom, Siemens, NIIF, ISQ Asia Infrastructure Investments, Sterlite and Titagarh Wagons — companies which had evinced interest in the project — have skipped the bids.

The project entails an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore. The clusters have been targeted to be awarded by February, 2021.

Arvind Aviation, BHEL, Spain-based Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarrriles, S.A, Gateway Rail Freight Ltd., Malempati Power Pvt. Ltd., Megha Engineering, PNC Infratech Ltd., RK Associates and Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd., Sainath Sales and Services Pvt. Ltd., and Welspun Enterprises Ltd. were among other companies which submitted applications for request for qualification (RFQ), which opened on Wednesday.

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