Kolkata: 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.
Mamata reiterated that the interest of railway
employees would not be compromised in the move to attract
private investment.
"We have excellent relations with the employees
unions. The railway employees are like a family. We share joys
and sorrow together."
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 12, 2010, 23:02