'Govt should expedite rly projects, clear pending proposals'

The government should fast track the dedicated rail freight corridor project and clear pending proposals for private participation to enhance the growth of the railway sector, industry body Assocham said.

In a 20-point agenda submitted to the Railway Ministry, the chamber also suggested modernising railway stations, improving passenger amenities and using vacant land for commercial purpose through PPP initiatives.

"Despite improvement in the financial position, the Indian railways continue to face serious issues such as outdated technology, poor state of railway stations, lack of basic passenger amenities, capacity constraints and shortage of funds for investment," it said.

The Indian Railways need to ensure an increased contribution of the rail sector towards infrastructure creation and enhancing the growth pace of the Indian economy, Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said.

He said the government should clear the proposals for private participation pending with the ministry on priority basis and modernisation of railway stations should be taken on priority basis.

Railway tourism hold immense potential for generating revenue and employment, Assocham said in its agenda. It also said the construction of high speed railway corridors needs to be undertaken between the high density routes.

Besides, the port connectivity work with the railways should be given impetus as the traffic flow from and to the ports offer enormous potential for the state owned firm, it added.