Chandigarh: The train ministry is all set to privatize the inheritance of the Kalka-Shimla toy train.
The policy that imagines the change in this landmark has been approved by Niti Ayog under the central national monetization pipeline, the mechanism of monetizing assets for the Central Public Sector Entity announced in this year’s budget.
In accordance with the policy, most commercial activities under the Kalka-Shimla toy train parts will be given to private companies, which can include tickets, maintenance coaches, maintenance tracks, cleanliness, contracts of Tuck shops, platform maintenance and other passenger facilities.
However, the repair track and replacement and the safety guarantee of the train will be given to the train ministry.
Privatization will include a signaling system, overhead electrification lines, overhead equipment (OHE), and general track maintenance.
Train manager Divisia Gurdan Mohan Singh said, “The policy has been told by Niti Ayog, but I have not yet gone through the policy points.
Yes, the privitations are on the chart and it can be implemented.” The process to privatize the section has begins and may appear on Late 2022, read the Aayog Niti report.
The main asset for monetization of the financial year of 2022 to 2025 includes 400 train stations, including the Chandigarh train station, with 1,400 km from the railroad network and four hill trains, which include the Kalka-Shimla section.