The Ministry of Railways has issued a notification inviting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for private participation for operation of passenger train services over 109 Origin Destination(OD) pairs of routes through introduction of 151 modern Trains (Rakes).
It has been stated by the Ministry that the 109 OD Pairs have been formed into 12 Clusters across the Indian Railway network. Each Train shall have a minimum of 16 coaches.
Majority of the trains will be manufactured in India while the project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore and the private entity will be responsible for financing, procuring, operation and maintenance of the trains.
Trains shall be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph which will make it faster than the fastest train of Indian Railways operating in the respective route.
Being the first initiative of private investment for running Passenger Trains over Indian Railways network, the objective of this initiative is to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world class travel experience to passengers, and also reduce demand supply deficit in the passenger transportation sector.
The Concession Period for the project shall be 35 years.
These trains shall be operated by the Driver and Guard of Indian Railways. Further Operation and maintenance of the passenger trains would be governed by standards and specifications and requirements specified by Indian Railways.
-India Legal Bureau