Privatisation will put railways upgrade on track, says Niti Aayog's report

Other key areas where Niti Aayog wants inclusion of private players are coach and locomotive manufacturing and repairs

From ownership of locomotives and rolling stocks to modernising stations, improvement of the railways hinges on “private participation,” said Niti Aayog, in its report on strategy for New India, released on Wednesday.

The planning body, in its suggestions, said that the national transporter should consider opening up ownership and operations of freight terminals and ownership of locomotives and rolling stock to the private sector under a transparent, neutral (non-railway) and fair regulatory mechanism. It cited that the move will improve performance and spur investments for the railways.

“Despite its extensive reach and substantial growth in freight load, the share of