Private trains to run on Delhi metro track; Govt mulls PPP model
Private trains can run on the track of Delhi Metro. The central government is working on this plan to rescue Metro from the financial crisis. A new formula has been made under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Under this, it can be given to the private company to hire and run the Metro coach. Officials believe that without the huge amount spent, additional coaches will be available in metro. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and the DMRC Board have recently stamped this policy. Tender will be invented soon on the new formula.
A senior official of the ministry said that there is a global level of experience that running the entire Metro on the PPP model is a loss deal. Reliance Airport Metro experience in Delhi is also poor. In this way, different models of PPP are being worked on. Private companies will be connected in separate operations of the entire Metro. For example, from purchasing a coach, activities related to tracking, constructing, installing ATC machines and ticket sales will be given to private companies.
Officials of the ministry say that at present, the Delhi Metro needs about 300 coaches in a hurry. Instead of buying a new coach, it will be rented from private companies. In lieu of this, the Delhi Metro will hire the company. If the company is interested in running the coach, it will also be given the contract of operation. Apart from this, work like ticket vending machine, ATC machine, ticket sale counter, track will also be run on PPP model. An official attached to the ministry said that the new formula will be adopted soon in the DMRC. If successful, it will be implemented throughout the country.
RRTS hits a road block
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the elevated transport was to be prepared in the Sarai Kale Khan under the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) project. After the approval from the UPA government, other preparations were also completed, but at the last moment, the Delhi government now says that it should be made an underground.
The minister says that additional spending of about 4500 crores will be incurred by making an underground transport hub. For this, we have to increase the rent. From this, RRTS will not be economically more useful. Senior officials say that this is being discussed with the Delhi government. Hopefully soon a middle path will come out.
