JV companies to be formed with around 20 states, Rly minister

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today said his ministry will set up separate joint venture companies with at least 20 states for completion of projects in a time-bound manner and to give the latter more say in the developmental activities.
"Joint Venture (JV) companies will be formed with around 20 states and will be between the Railways and the state concerned having separate nodal officers from the two sides," Prabhu told a press conference here.
The criteria of the company, he said, would be completion of project in a time-bound manner.
"This will help states have more say in the rail development," he said later at a function where he also said that a joint venture company with Jharkhand could be formed "in about a month".

Stressing on transparent functioning of the railway department, Prabhu said e-tendering has begun and added that the tender process would not come to his table.
Besides e-monitoring to oversee projects, he said the Railways has also started e-catering, giving passengers their choice of food.
Stating that emphasis was also being given on safety and punctuality of trains, the minister said three to five years were required for completion of any project.