Railways plan JV with states for infrastructure development

The Railways has signed initial agreements with 20 states to jointly develop a company aimed at boosting railway infrastructure, railway minister Suresh Prabhu said today, adding that the move is in line with the centre's policy to empower the states.

"We have signed MoUs with 20 states. Under the agreement, there will be a company jointly owned by the centre and the states. It will develop infrastructure and look into issues which the states think are important," he told media persons on the sidelines of an official function in Kolkatta.

He said the railways will collaborate with West Bengal for development of railway infrastructure in the state, including the stalled metro project in Kolkata.

He said he will meet chief minister Mamata Banerjee on the issue after she returns from Bangladesh.

"I have spoken to her this morning and will meet her once she returns from Bangladesh," he said.

Earlier, addressing a seminar on World Envrionment Day in New Delhi on Friday, the railway minister said the Railways has taken several steps in the last six months towards energy conservation and environment protection.

Prabhu said that Railways will not spend a penny more on the energy bill of Rs30,000 crore incurred last financial year despite increasing freight and passenger traffic.

The minister said he has asked all zonal railways to conduct energy audit and water audit in order to minimise the environmental impact. Prabhu said that the Indian Railways is the third largest consumer of water after agriculture and power sectors.