Indian Railways is set to run 151 private trains. Like airlines in private trains, passengers will be provided with preferred seats, luggage and travel facilities. During this time, passengers may have to pay for these facilities separately in addition to the tickets. This will be part of the total revenue which the company running the private train will have to share with the Railways. This information has been given by the Railways in one of its documents.
Railways have recently issued tenders (RFQs) inviting private units (which will run private trains) to run passenger trains. According to officials, private companies have to make a decision about taking money from passengers for these services.
The document issued by the railway states that the private companies bidding according to their financial capacity will have to offer a stake in the total revenue in the tender to take the project. According to the tender, Railways will give freedom to private companies to collect fare from passengers. At the same time, they will also have the freedom to explore new options to find ways of earning.
