interview2019 
Source: Google
By Dikhyaa Mohanty
The Ministry of Railways has requested Qualifications for Private companies to operate 151 modern passenger trains on the public-private partnership (PPP) mode on 109 Origin-Destination (OD) pairs of routes.
The project would entail a private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore. This is the first initiative of private investment for running Passenger Trains over the Indian Railways network.
The main objective of this initiative is to introduce Modern technology rolling stock with lowered maintenance, promote job creation, lessen transition time, provide amplified safety, render a world-class travel experience for the passengers, and to diminish the demand-supply deficiency in the passenger transportation sector.
Most of the trains are to be manufactured in India under the “Make in India” initiative where the private company will be accountable for financing, operation, procuring, and all the maintenance of the trains.
The trains shall be designed where the maximum speed will be at 160 kmph which will reduce the journey time. The Concession Period for the project shall be 35 years.
These trains will be operated by the Driver and guard of Indian Railways and the operations and maintenance of the passenger trains would be governed by standard & specifications and requirements specified by Indian Railways.
