'Mission Mode' approach to be followed in railway modernization programmes

New Delhi, Mar 14 (ANI): The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday decided to create Missions headed by Mission Directors in each of the identified area for a three year term as per the recommendations of the Expert Group headed by Sam Pitroda, adviser to the Prime Minister, on modernization and resource mobilization.

Presenting the Railway Budget for 2012-13 in parliament, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said: "The Directors will directly report to the Railway Board. Each Mission would be provided with appropriate budget and operational autonomy."

"In addition, a High Level Committee will be set up to facilitate coordination amongst the Missions, fast-track implementation, and address bottlenecks coming in the way," he added.

The Expert Group for Modernization of Indian Railways had recommended implementation of the modernization programme following a 'Mission Mode' approach, with clear objectives, measurable milestones, tangible deliverables and well defined timelines.

The Group in its report submitted on February 27, 2012 had provided a blueprint for the next five years for modernization of Indian Railways. The recommendations of the Group entail an estimated investment of Rs. 5.60 lakh crore.

Trivedi said, the Approach Paper of the Planning Commission to the 12th Plan, which is yet to be approved, envisages an investment of one trillion dollars in the infrastructure sector with half the investment of Rs. 25 lakh crore expected from private sector and remaining Rs. 25 lakh crore being planned by the government from its own resources.

He said that Railways being a key transport and big infrastructure sector for the nation, must attract at least 10 per cent of the government share of investment i.e. about Rs. 2.50 lakh crore during the 12th Plan period.

He further said the 12th Plan investment proposed by Railways at Rs. 7.35 lakh crore represents a quantum jump over the investment during 11th Plan of Rs. 1.92 lakh crore. (ANI)