16 states agreed to have JV with Railways: Prabhu

Railway ministry has written to Tamil Nadu government to explore possibility of redevelopment of stations in the state by forming a joint venture, Railway Minister Suresh P Prabhu said today.
So far 16 states have agreed to have a joint venture with Railways for creating more infrastructure facility, Prabhu told reporters here.
"If Tamil Nadu also agrees, it will help us expedite the process for more infrastructure for the state", he said.
"We have written a letter to Chief Minister (Jayalalithaa) to explore the possibility of redevelopment of the railway stations in Tamil Nadu," he said.
"There can be many opportunities in addition to what we are already doing," Prabhu said.

Later in an interactive session at Leadership Summit "making the difference" organised by CII, Prabhu said the share of the freight revenue for Railways has dwindled to 50 per cent from the 98 per cent, a few decades ago.
The ministry is negotiating with various industrial sectors, including steel industry, for its transportation, as the freight charges have been reduced to attract more cargo, he said.