Indian Railways has proposed a joint consultative mechanism with steel manufacturers for setting up dedicated railway tracks for movement of iron ore."A joint consultative mechanism track industry trends and deliberate on the suggestions for mutual growth can be worked out to set up dedicated railway lines for steel industry use," J P Batra, chairman, Railway Board, said.Speaking at 'Steel Summit: 2007, India Vision 2020-Challenges Ahead', Batra said the steel industry and railways were a natural allies and there was an urgent need to set up appropriate partnership models to tap the immense scope of cooperation.He also suggested public-private-partnership model for the development of the dedicated corridor for movement of iron ore. Batra also called on the industry to work with the railways to enhance the axle load limit upto 30 tonnes."Railways is ready to lend surplus diesel locomotives to the industry for their usage."Batra also sought the expertise of the industry in the designing and development of terminals and special purpose wagons.Expressing satisfaction over the growth of railways, he said its further growth was depended on the expansion and partnership opportunities.
