Amid stepped up efforts to woo private investment, Railways have identified 37 projects worth over Rs 13,000 crores, including laying of new lines and gauge conversions, for development under PPP mode.

This comes after the PSU behemoth held wide-ranging consultations with industry representatives over the weekend on creation of new infrastructure and expansion of its network. The draft policy of several new programmes was also shared with them to elicit their views.

The rate of return of some of the identified projects have been projected as high as 40 per cent. On such scheme is the Sini-Adityapur project (third line doubling) in Jharkhand where the figure has been put at 46.56 per cent.

Similarly, the rate of return for the doubling work of the Champajharan-Bimlagarh line in mineral rich Orissa has been projected at 34.06 per cent.

The projects identified are spread across the country, with the Railways clearly indicating the cost involved as well as the viability of the ventures, said an official in the ministry of Railways.

The official, however, said the precise model for the execution of the projects has not been finalised as yet.

However, Railways have sought suggestions on projects which are of interest to private parties.

The industry had also suggested connectivity projects to link coal and iron ore mines and construction of ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridor Projects in segments.

During the meet, Railways also discussed the draft policies on development of automobile and ancillary hub, private freight terminal and special freight train operator.

Participation of the industry in laying down of railway tracks was also discussed, said the official.

The meeting was attended by over 150 industry delegates representing CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, Cement Manufacturers Association, Fertilisers Association of India, Association of Container Operators, Federation of Indian Mineral Industry and National Highway Builders Federation.

The industry also suggested setting up of bottling plants for clean drinking water, construction of multi-level parking complexes at stations and laying of Optic Fibre Cables, he said.