Railways to Adopt PPP Model for New Infrastructure Projects

30 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Indian Railways is looking to implement the public-private partnership (PPP) model for developing new projects, including new commercial lines such as mineral corridors.

This shift in strategy follows an infrastructure review meeting attended by several ministries, where it was highlighted that the Railways needs to consider PPP for infrastructure creation instead of solely relying on the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model. Despite the proposed shift towards the PPP model, Indian Railways is expected to receive a significant boost in capital expenditure in the FY26 budget, surpassing the Rs 2.62 trillion (tn) allocated for this fiscal year.

After limited progress in developing projects via the PPP model, Indian Railways continues to exclusively fund its infrastructure development, run freight trains, and recover investments through levies on freight movement. A senior official confirmed that while the government is advocating for PPP models for commercial lines, decisions regarding fares and passenger movement will remain under the Railway Board's control.

The three major economic corridor programmes, focusing on energy (mainly coal), minerals, and cement transportation, are estimated to cost over Rs 5.25 tn by 2031. Additionally, the government is advancing port-rail connectivity under the Sagarmala programme, with several projects currently under development.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..