NEW DELHI : The Central Government has approved a simplified licensing framework for Container Train Operators (CTOs), allowing them to operate container trains across the Indian Railways network under a single all-India licence.
The move is aimed at improving ease of doing business and encouraging greater private participation in rail freight.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Railways has approved modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA), replacing the existing route-wise licensing system with a single licence applicable across the entire Indian Railways network.
The revised framework will be notified through a gazette notification.
Under the new framework, every new applicant will pay a uniform, non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 crore to operate container trains on all routes.
Besides, the approved amendments provide for extension of the concession period by another 20 years without charging any renewal or extension fee.
