Union railway minister Dinesh Trivedi on Friday hinted at a possible hike in rail fares as the financial position of the country’s largest public sector undertaking is not good.

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In order to tide over the situation, the minister mooted the idea of introducing public-private partnership (PPP) in the railways.

Announcing the augmentation of the services of the railways, the minister hinted at the Special Purpose Vehicle for suburban rail network, which comprises 45% of the total network. “Though the SPV will be governed by the Indian Railways, it will be an independent entity that would strengthen the suburban services,” he said.

Expressing concern over the deaths on the tracks in Mumbai, the minister announced a special drive to create awareness among the commuters.

“We are planning campaign against track crossing and are trying to rope in cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and some Bollywood stars. Fencing along the tracks could not be the only way to curb accidents but awareness and other measures like mobile medical vans are thought of,” he said.

Trivedi also met chief minister Prithviraj Chavan. After the meeting, Chavan said, “We have demanded to expedite the work of coaching complex at Panvel where a passenger terminal development has been planned,” he said.

Chavan said his government has also demanded to expedite the Churchgate-Virar elevated project.