CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Habibganj in Madhya Pradesh and Gandhi Nagar in Gujarat will be India’s first railway stations to be operationalised under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme as the Indian Railways sets in motion its station redevelopment plan.

Detailed explanation-2: -In June 2017, Habibganj Railway Station was privatized by the Ministry of Railways (India) making it India’s first private railway station. Habibganj railway station is a Bhopal City railway station and a part of the West Central Railway. On the main route line Jhansi-Bhopal-Itarsi lies the Habibganj Railway Station.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Ministry of Railways privatised Habibganj railway station in June 2017, making it India’s first private railway station. The station will have facilities like a shopping complex, forex kiosk and eateries. The rebuilt railway station was opened in November 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Detailed explanation-4: -At present, the railways is using the PPP route for modernisation of 16 stations including Anand Vihar and Vijayawada, which is estimated to cost about Rs 10, 000 crore. Railway colony redevelopment is also being done through the PPP route.

Detailed explanation-5: -Privatization Hits Indian Railways: 90 Railway Stations To Be Handed Over To Private Firms, Based On Airport Model.