No Plan To Privatise Indian Railways: Government Tells Parliament

The Government has categorically stated in the Parliament that there are no plans to privatise Indian Railways.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday (8 August), Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, clarified the government’s stance, emphasising that Indian Railways remains wholly owned and operated by the government.

The minister was responding to queries regarding the privatisation of railway operations, revenue from outsourcing stations, private companies involved, and the impact on job creation.

“Indian Railways is wholly owned by the Government of India. All zonal railways, production units, workshops, and assets like railway tracks, signaling systems, and rolling stock are under the ownership of Indian Railways only,” Vaishnaw stated.

He further noted that train, station, and line operations are managed directly by Indian Railways, supported by an ecosystem of vendors and service providers.

"Train operations, station operations and line operations are all done by Railways. The ecosystem of vendors and service providers supports the operation and management of Railways," the minister stated.

"There is no plan to privatise the Indian Railways," he added.

In response to a separate question, Vaishnaw said that Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy oof Rs 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in 2023-24.

"This amounts to concession of 45 per cent on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost of providing
service is ₹100, then the price of ticket is ₹55 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers," the minister said.

"Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many
categories like 4 categories of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of student," he added.

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