Private train between Mumbai and Bhuj?

Ever dreamt of a scenario where you boarded your own private train to a destination of your choice?

This dream may now be within shouting distance of reality, going by the latest plans of the ministry of railway.

The instigation for this came about after a few prominent businessmen from Kutch approached railway minister Dinesh Trivedi, and requested a private train plying between Mumbai and Bhuj.

Indeed, if private planes and ferries can exist, why not trains? With Trivedi (from Kutch) taking interest in the issue, the ministry is now working on studying the feasibility of such a proposal. Sources say there have been scattered efforts and proposals in the past from various businessmen and individuals, but it is the first time that the ministry is exploring various options.

A detailed study report on operation and finances will take a couple of years, say sources, and then permissions from the government and local railways will have to be obtained. What is important, though, is that the process has begun from the ministry-level itself.

The railway board will have to take a policy decision on private sector participation in the operation of such trains.

“These trains will have to be run with private partners,” said Shantibhai Meckoni, one of the industrialists who approached the minister.

Earlier this year, Rajesh Nihak, a Mumbai businessman, had submitted a proposal for a private train between Mumbai and Shirdi.