New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved changes to the licensing framework for container train operators, paving the way for a single licence that would allow eligible companies to operate across the national rail network.
The changes have been approved through amendments to the Model Concession Agreement governing container train operations. However, the revised framework will take effect only after the necessary Gazette notification is issued.
Under the proposed system, the existing route-category-based licensing structure will be replaced by a single all-India licence. Eligible operators will be permitted to access the entire Indian Railways network after paying a uniform, non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 crore, subject to approval by the Ministry of Railways.
At present, container train operators hold licences under different categories that determine the routes and types of traffic they are permitted to handle. The new framework is intended to remove these category-wise restrictions and simplify access to the railway network.
The revised agreement provides for an additional concession period of 20 years after the expiry of the existing licence.
The extension will be granted on the operator’s application and will depend on satisfactory performance during the concession period.
No fee will be charged for the first or any subsequent extension granted to the same operator.
Operators holding Category I licences will be permitted to continue under their existing category until the completion of their concession period.
They will not be required to pay an additional fee when seeking renewal or extension under the revised framework.
Operators holding Category II, III and IV licences may also continue operating under their present categories until their respective concession periods expire.
However, they will have to pay ₹15 crore at the time of renewal or extension. This represents the difference between the proposed registration fee of ₹25 crore and the ₹10 crore already paid by these operators.
Category II, III and IV operators will also have the option to migrate to the single all-India licence before the completion of their existing 20-year concession period by paying ₹15 crore.
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