On the similar time, the panel confused that Indian Railways ought to steadiness its social obligations by persevering with focused subsidies for non-AC and suburban providers to guard low-income passengers. It additionally suggested the Railways to enhance operational effectivity by accelerating electrification and adopting energy-efficient applied sciences.
Highlighting the necessity for personal funding, the Committee known as on the Ministry to be extra formidable in attracting non-public sector participation and set greater targets for public-private partnership tasks in railway infrastructure to scale back reliance on authorities funding.
It additionally urged the Ministry to discover extra PPP alternatives for station redevelopment and incentivise non-public involvement, particularly for stations in underdeveloped and rural areas.
On the difficulty of devoted freight corridors, the Committee famous that whereas Detailed Undertaking Reviews for the East-Coast, East-West, and North-South sub-corridors have been ready, none have been sanctioned to this point. It requested the Ministry to fast-track assessments of site visitors potential, feasibility, and monetary viability to make sure these corridors are launched at once.
The Committee additionally emphasised the necessity to full pending parts of the Western Devoted Freight Hall throughout the agreed timeline and keep away from any additional extensions.
The primary report of the Committee, containing 14 observations and suggestions, was offered to the Lok Sabha and laid within the Rajya Sabha in December 2024. The Ministry of Railways submitted its responses in February 2025, which had been reviewed and included within the second report.
(With inputs from PTI.)
