Mamata Banerjee assures speedy response to private sector

While inaugurating a roadshow inviting private participation in railway projects railway minister Mamata Banerjee said yesterday that the rail ministry would respond speedily to project proposals from private parties and assured them of continuity in policies.

The railway projects she was referring to range freight terminals and rail lines, shopping arcades and transit facilities for automobiles near stations.

''It can be done on revenue-sharing basis and we can work it out… I am not a businessman but I understand business logic,'' she said.

The plan that would involve private investments has been developed by Ficci secretary-general Amit Mitra. The meeting attracted more than 100 representatives from companies and different industry associations.

Though Banerjee is not perceived as industry friendly after Singur, her approach was termed by thee attending participans as being very proactive as she talked about solving industry's problems and emphasised the need to take quick decisions.

She lso got senior Railway Board officers to start actually listening to complaints.