Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Former Railway Board Member Rejects Privatisation
A former Railway Board Member said Indian Railways should not be privatised because it's a strategic sector with unique responsibilities.
He mentioned that while private sector participation is encouraged, full privatisation is not suitable.
The railways have made progress despite debates on privatisation.
Indian Railways remains a strategic sector
Privatisation not feasible or desirable, says former Railway Board Member
Distinction made between privatisation and private sector participation
Railways bear annual passenger losses cross-subsidised by freight revenue
Tremendous progress made in the past decade despite debates on privatisation
- Who
- Former Railway Board Member M. Jamshed
- What
- Rejected railway privatisation in India
- When
- November 20, 2025
- Where
- Railway Conclave 2.0, organised by Chintan Research Foundation (CRF)
- Why
- Believes railways' unique responsibilities make it unsuitable for full privatisation
Against Privatisation
In Favour of Privatisation
National Security
Against Privatisation
Privatisation could compromise national security
In Favour of Privatisation
Private players can enhance security with advanced technologies
- Theme of the event
- Possibilities and Quagmire of Privatisation of Railways
- Railways' annual passenger losses
- ₹60,000 crores
- Budgetary support increase (2004-2014 to 2025)
- ₹20,000-30,000 crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore
- Capital expenditure increase (2004-2014 to 2025)
- ₹3 lakh crore to ₹17 lakh crore
- Freight movement increase
- Over 12,000 million tonnes