Past Speakers
What our panelists had said in the last year's conference:
The conference was part of the REFLECT knowledge exchange series organised by Governance Now in partnership with CNBC Awaaz.
"Indian railways is looking at private investment not privatisation, said Manoj Sinha, minister of state for railways while delivering the keynote address at 'Rail Budget: Reforms & Governance’ conference in Delhi."
"There is a huge difference between privatisation of railways and ensuring private investment in railways. Investment from the private sector should be encouraged. About the railway budget Anil Swarup, Secretary, Ministry of coal said, The rail budget is a new paradigm shift in the context of how funds should be managed.”
Benedict L J Eijbergen, program leader, infrastructure, World Bank "The World Bank can help in setting up investment funds for railways, with proper assessment of viable projects that need to be undertaken. "
"Brian Parrott, minister (commercial), High Commission of Canada said that the cost per mile of moving coal is the lowest in Canada. Our country also has state-of-the-art technology in signalling and manufacturing. Right now we are negotiating an MoU with the rail ministry. Canada is keen on sharing technology and is looking for an opportunity to invest in rail sector. We are looking for ways in which Canada pension fund can benefit Indian railways. There is a huge opportunity in equipment and technology supplies. Our relationship with India is very important."
Nirmal C Mathur, president, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association, said that "we transport raw steel mostly via railways. However the finished steel products are transported mostly by road. Our association is a not-for-profit organisation. We believe steel coaches will be viable in the long run. We are also thinking for the long term. Keeping in tune with Swachh Bharat campaign, we have developed bio-toilets. We also look forward to participating in keeping station premises clean and providing hygienic food. We are eager to provide technical solutions."
Shailendra Chouksey, vice president, cement manufacturers’ association, said that the cement industry has real hopes from the Indian railways. The cement industry is the third largest consumer of railways. However, in last 10 years, the industry has witnessed a slump.
