Date:21/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/21/stories/2004122105581100.htm

National

Railways Bill introduced

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 20. The Government today introduced in the Rajya Sabha a Bill seeking to establish a Rail Land Development Authority to enable the Railways to use its land for commercial purposes for generating revenues by non-tariff measures.

Introduced by the Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu, the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2004 provides for consultancy, construction and management services and undertaking of operations by the Railways in the country for development of land and property.

It seeks to amend the Railways Act for this purpose and will also enable the Railways to undertake beautification of stations and provide modern amenities to rail users through the commercial development route.