Experts' panel sets strict timeline

The Experts Committee, constituted by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to develop innovative funding techniques through public-private partnership (PPP) for rail infrastructure projects, has set out strict timelines for completion of work in these projects. The committee, headed by Ficci secretary general Amit Mitra, has tabled a report with recommendations for setting up diesel and electric locomotive factories, coach manufacturing units, freight terminals, multi modal logistics parks, multi-functional complexes and world-class stations by attracting private investment.

“The committee has decided that 64 multi-functional complexes (MCFs) can be delivered across the country as of now,” Mitra said. Of these, construction of 12 MFCs at Mysore, Indore, Madurai, Hardwar, Bardhman, Udaipur, among others, would be taken up in the first phase, he added.