Mamata Banerjee's grand expansion and modernisation plans could turn out to be a big bonanza for India Inc. From upgrading the stations to expanding rail network to running the 57 new trains, all are opportunities that the industry has been waiting for.
With the construction of multifunction complexes on railway land, enhanced security at railway stations or air conditioned double-decker inter city trains across the countryโthe goodies for industry from Mamata's bag just did not seem to stop.
For the work to be undertaken at the stations, companies like IVRCL, Gammon and L&T stand to gain. Companies like Titagarh Wagons, Texmaco and BEML can expect a healthier orderbook with the double-decker coaches that are planned and the dedicated freight corridor could be an opportunity for companies like Mahindra Logistics, Transport Corporation, Gati and Adani Logistics. NTPC has already been named as a partner for the 1000 MW captive power plant.
Arvind Gemini, director of Kalindee Rail Nirman, said, โConstruction of doubling, gauge conversion and improvement in signals will give lot of scope. The ticket vending machines will bring benefits to IT companies. We are also involved in IT operations and that is going to give benefits to us.โ
Meanwhile, Texmaco president and CEO Ramesh Maheshwari also said that the budget has many special features, which would benefit the company.
โThere are some proposals like the world class stations and also huge programmes for gauge conversion that would be of benefit,โ he said.
Mamata's announcement to put the idle land owned by the Railways to use and that could be a big relief for realty companies and the spin off benefits will be seen for others too.
Sushil Maroo, director of JSPL, said, โI feel that basic benefits should start in four to five months.โ
Meanwhile, the challenge will be to make sure that the government can go ahead and implement these plans in the true public private partnership spirit. That is what successive Rail Ministers have been found wanting and Mamata has a chance to make a difference.