Railways sign MoU with Telangana govt for rail infrastructure expansion

With the aim of expansion of rail infrastructure, Railways on Thursday signed an MoU with Telangana government for ensuring speedy execution of projects in the state. The MoU envisages formation of joint ventures with Telangana for development of railway infrastructure in the state.

"States always have a lot of expectations for new railway lines. Thus, to meet the demands of the states, Cabinet has approved formation of JV companies," Railway Board Chairman, A K Mittal said at the MoU signing ceremony here.

Telangana is the sixth state to join hands with Railways for taking up rail projects through JV route. Mittal said 17 states have consented to formation of JV companies with the Railways whereas five--Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, have already signed the MoUs.

"MoU will help in putting the execution of railway projects on a fast track in the state. This will also help take into account the priorities of the states because these projects will be finalised in consultation with them," he said.

Railways have a large shelf of ongoing new line, gauge conversion and doubling projects requiring about Rs 3.5 lakh crores to complete. "We have been trying to meet the aspirations of public with limited funds," Mittal added. Senior officials from Telangana government and Railways were present on the occasion.