Vijayawada: Trade unions are opposing private investment for construction of railway lines in the Indian Railways. The Railway ministry has already allowed private funds into various manners in railway department. But trade unions are opposing this, particularly for major works like new tracks laying and creation of infrastructure.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) gives loans for various projects, especially railway-related projects at a 0.2 per cent nominal interest. Now they are involved in the Vijayawada metro rail project. But they have also a right on the project until the loan amount is cleared. Railway trade unions are opposing the proposals as their bargaining may not work.
National Federation of India Railways (NFIR) and South Central Railway Mazdoor Union are jointly opposing private investments in the Railways. SCRMU leader Ch. Shankar Rao said that in such a situation, the “public would lose the questioning power and private regulatory authorities would only be having decision-making powers over railway operations.
