PM Modi rules out Privatisation of Indian Railways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the expansion of Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) in Varanasi, has ruled out the privatisation of Indian Railways, saying “We don’t see railways only as a means to travel. We see it as the backbone of India’s development.”

Modi also revealed that Railways have been an essential part of his life. It can be recalled that he used to sell tea at railway stations as a child and always travelled in train before being elected as Gujarat CM. “Railways has shaped my life, nobody can love it more than me,” he said.

However, he kept the options open for foreign investment in Indian Railways. “It does not matter whether we get the money in Dollar or Yen. The main issue is whether we get enough money to undertake reforms or not,” he said. Apart from inaugurating the project for expansion of the DLW, Modi also dedicated a modern, air-conditioned passenger train engine to the nation.