Indian Railways plans to lease train coaches to private companies

14 Sep 2021 CW Team

In an effort to boost public access to rail-based tourism, the Indian railway is leasing coaching stock to interested parties for use as theme-based cultural, religious, and other tourist circuit trains.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Railways, the purpose of the act is to tap the potential of the tourism sector and to leverage the core strengths of tourism professionals in tourism activities such as marketing, hospitality, service integration, customer base reach, expertise in tourist circuit development, and so on.

Leasing of coaches in the configuration desired by interested parties.

Leases are also available for bare shells.

Coaches can be purchased outright as well. Coaches may be refurbished to a limited extent.

Leasing must be done for a minimum of 5 years and can be extended until the coaches reach the end of their useful life. As per policy guidelines, the minimum train composition for leasing purposes is.

Develop/decide on a business model by interested parties (routes, itinerary, tariff etc). The simple registration process is based on eligibility criteria for interested parties.

Haulage fees, nominal stabling fees, and lease fees will be charged by Indian Railways.

Punctuality is given top priority. Approval of coach refurbishment and itineraries in a timely manner.

For maintenance runs, there is no need for haulage. Third-party advertising is permitted inside the train, as train branding.

Vistadome coaches have the potential to unlock the traffic potential on tourism routes and destinations that were being phased out by Indian Railway before COVID.

Vistadome coaches have the potential to unlock tourism demand and are a natural fit for a private sector privatisation package, such as the mountain railway, which is currently being considered.

Image Source

Also read: Indian Railways to operate 102 Vande Bharat trains by March 2024

Real Estate

08 Oct 2025

Bennet & Bernard Unveil Dutch-Inspired ‘Casa El Toledo’ in Goa

Bennet & Bernard Group, Goa’s leading luxury real estate developer, has launched its newest project, Casa El Toledo, in Assagao. The enclave features 18 ultra-luxury 4 BHK Dutch-style villas blending European charm with tropical elegance. Each villa includes a private pool, double-height ceilings, open courtyards, alfresco dining areas, and English-inspired landscaping. The interiors are curated by noted Dutch designer Kelly Marie. Reflecting the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, Casa El Toledo harmonises heritage aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Expansive interiors flow..

Godrej Delivers Heaviest Ecolaire Surface Condenser to US Project

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Process Equipment business has manufactured and delivered its heaviest Ecolaire® Surface Condenser to date, weighing nearly 450 metric tonnes, for a power-generation project in the United States. The project, powered by natural gas and partly designed for hydrogen compatibility, marks another step in advancing clean energy systems. Produced at the company’s GreenCo-certified Dahej facility in Gujarat, the equipment demonstrates India’s growing engineering capabilities and reinforces Godrej’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision. Hussain S..

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..