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Suburban rail policy skewed: Siddaramaiah to Indian Railways

The state had suggested equal participation along Indian Railways in funding the loan and equity.

Bengaluru: A day after he opposed Hindi in Namma Metro, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, on Saturday picked another issue introduction of suburban railway to lodge the state’s protest with railway ministry against a skewed suburban rail policy.

In his letter to railways minister, Suresh Prabhu, the Chief Minister said along with many states Karnataka too gave its suggestions and observations to the suburban railway policy draft prepared by the railway ministry last year. The state had suggested equal participation along Indian Railways in funding the loan and equity. It was opposed to creation of a separate entity to run suburban railways because it makes it would be uneconomical.

“The final suburban railway policy is skewed. It is to the disadvantage of the state to bear the operational losses in case the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) incur losses when fixation of fare is vested with Indian Railways. I would like to make it a joint responsibility to share the losses. Further, it is suggested that equal sharing of all financial burden and use of existing infrastructure wherever feasible in consultation with the railways be permitted and guidelines be revised accordingly. I am hopeful you will take note of my suggestion in a positive spirit.” he added.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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