No plans to privatise railways: Piyush Goyal

Addressing a press conference today on the achievements of his ministry in the past four years, Goyal said that there were no proposals for such a move and it would not happen in the future as well.

"Let me make it very clear that there are no plans to privatise railways, either now or ever," he said.

The railways seeking foreign investment in areas such as technological upgradation and modernisation had raised concerns over the national transporter being handed over to private entities. This concern was flagged by the railway unions which demanded more clarity from the ministry.

Listing the achievements of his ministry, Goyal said that there had been an increase of 59 per cent in the average pace of commissioning of new lines from 4.1 km per day between 2009 and 2014 to 6.53 km per day during 2014-2018.

Goyal, who addressed the regional media in 12 cities simultaneously through video-conferencing, also said that concerns over the government's ambitious bullet train project would be soon resolved and that the project was on track.

"The bullet train project is on track. In this country there are always issues linked to any developmental project and new ideas. But we have to find solutions and move forward," Goyal said.

The minister also launched two mobile applications - 'Rail Madad' to help customers with complaints and 'Menu On Rails' through which passengers can see meals on offer on-board trains.