Suresh Prabhu Rules Out Privatisation Of Indian Railway

03 May , New Delhi

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has outrightly ruled out privatisation of the Railways. Prabhu said it was a bogey being raised by those who do not want any change.

In an interview to a news agency, Prabhu said, the concept of privatisation gives confusing signals and envisages the possibilities of ownership transfer of an enterprise to a different entity or management, which was not possible in Railways.

Prabhu asserted Railways would continue to be owned by government of India, managed by government of India. The minister said government would bring in private capital or technology to improve the functioning of railways so that railways become more valuable.

Prabhu’s remarks come in the backdrop of raging debate on the privatisation of Railways with the government-appointed committee headed by economist Bibek Debroy recommending corporatization of the loss-making public transporter and suggesting that the Ministry of Railways be only responsible for policymaking and private players should be allowed to run passengers and freight operations.