The plan for development of railways that will take into account the physical and financial needs of the organisation uptil 2030 was being prepared in consultation with different stake holders including Members of Parliament, he said while winding up a two-day debate on dividend policy of the railways in Lok Sabha.
The Minister said he was also in touch with noted economist Rakesh Mohan, who headed a committee on National Transport Development Policy on the integrated transport policy of which railways was an important component. The committee had submitted its report to the government in February 2014.
Appreciating the demand of members for expanding railway network, Prabhu said “more is not enough, railways must become vibrant.”
Elaborating on his plans, the Minister said “we are developing a plan for railways for 2030…in close consultation with stakeholders” and would also seek inputs from MPs as well.
The broad focus, he added, would be on decentralisation, better deployment of human resources and development of three dedicated freight corridors.
The railways, Prabhu said, was looking at forming joint ventures with state governments for expanding the rail network and improving services.
World Bank and the several financial institutions have been roped in to develop business plans, he said, adding the proposal has evoked goods response from several states including Kerala and West Bengal.
The resolution, which was adopted by the Lok Sabha, provides for payment of 5 per cent dividend for 2014-15 and 4 per cent for 2015-16, as recommended by Railway Convention Committee. It will be placed before the Rajya Sabha for approval.
PTI