Kolkata, February 12: Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that in view of spirally prices hindering development, her ministry was scouting for private investment and developing a business model for the purpose.
“Prices of everything, including petrol and diesel, are rising. The Railways are paying more for diesel, but cannot pass on the burden to passengers. So private participation is needed for new trains and infrastructure,” Mamata said.
Noting that she had extensive consultations with the chambers of commerce from national to district levels in a bid to attract private investment, Mamata said her ministry was in the process of preparing a business model for the purpose.
Opportunities for private investment existed in the areas of opening of new routes, besides setting up hotels and hospitals on railway land, she said at a function here.
–Agencies