Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, outrightly ruling out privatisation of the Railways has said that it was a “bogey” being raised by those who do not want any change. He added that 'We want change not for the change in ownership. We do not want change for somebody to run the precious assets of railways. We want to bring in private capital or technology to improve the functioning of railways so that railways become more valuable.'
Prabhu, asserted that railways was a joint responsibility and has to be managed both by government and public. He said that whatever brings better quality of service, better technology, better profitability has to be done with whatever means possible. "If we can do it ourselves in-house then we should do it. If we realise that we cannot do it in-house then we must get it outside capital, outside technology and outside agency' but not with the transfer of ownership". He added that if we do not have money so the one who can provide money, can be our partner. Therefore, getting private sector participation in railways for better technology or for money does not amount to privatisation.
He said that the first challenge was to change the mindset and the other was to convince people that we can achieve something. "Mindset of people must change. It is a joint endeavour. You cannot be in a demanding position that I must get better service all the time without doing nothing."
Earlier, the government-appointed committee headed by economist Bibek Debroy recommending corporatization of the loss-making public transporter and suggested that the ministry of railways be only responsible for policymaking and private players should be allowed to run passengers and freight operations.