PM Modi Allays Fears Of Railways’ Privatisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ruled out privatisation of Railways. “There are some who are spreading rumours that the railways would be privatised. That is totally wrong. This is not our thought or intention. I will not allow this as I love the railways the most as I am attached to it since my birth,” he said.

“What we want to do is that instead of putting the common man’s money into the everyday running of the railways, put cash-rich investor’s money and get soft loans from international agencies for greater development of the railways,” he added.

Calling railways the backbone of India’s economic development, he announced setting up of railway universities in all four parts of the country. “I will give you an example of how development can take place with help from the railways. The railways has electricity, infrastructure and a widespread network. Even stations in small villages, where trains arrive only once in a day have these facilities. All through the day, the stations lie vacant. Can’t we build a few rooms at the station and utilise power and infrastructure facilities that the railways have in imparting skill development to the youth of the area?” he asked.

He dedicated an air-conditioned passenger train engine to the nation and inaugurated a project to further expand the diesel locomotive workshop. He also expressed his desire to bring more development in the railways than what was seen in the last six decades.

He added that he views the railways not just as a means of transport, but also as an engine of growth. “We don’t see the railways only as a means to travel. We see it as the backbone of India’s economic development. We have to take the railways ahead and through the railways we have to take the nation ahead,” he said.