Railway Ministry launched Liberalised Policies on Parcel Leasing and Parcel Cargo Train Express

Ministry of Railways on 15 June 2016 launched two polices related to Parcel Leasing and Parcel Cargo Train Express. These policies were launched by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in a programme held in New Delhi.

These policies were launched as part of Rail Budget announcement of the fiscal year 2016-17. It seeks to make the policy related to Parcel more liberalized and customer friendly.

Liberalised Comprehensive Parcel Leasing Policy (CPLP)

•    Duration of parcel leasing scheme has been increased from 3 years to 5 years with a view to bring stability and adequate time for business development.

•    To insulate parcel from budgetary hike it provides for (a) assured leased rates with fixed escalation @10% from 4th year; and (b) realistic assessment of bids.

•    Security deposit has been rationalized. Firstly, it fixes the security deposit @10% of contract value for 1st year; and secondly, it incentivizes the running of contract for the full period.

•    For the first time, powers have been delegated to zonal railways to fix the reserve price downwardly. It is a paradigm shift and will bring dynamic pricing in parcel business.

•    Powers has also been delegated to zonal railways to enhance EMDs amount.  This will curb fake and fictitious bidders.

Liberalised policy on Parcel Cargo Express Trains (PCET)

•    Duration of contract is being increased from 3 years to 6 years to give stability and adequate time for development of business.

•    To insulate parcel from budgetary hike it provides for (a) assured leased rates with fixed escalation @10% from 4th year; and (b) realistic assessment of bids.

•    Security deposit has been rationalized. Firstly, it fixes the security deposit @10% of contract value for 1st year; and secondly, it incentivizes the running of contract for the full period.

•    For the first time, powers have been delegated to zonal railways to fix the reserve price downwardly. It is a paradigm shift and will bring dynamic pricing in parcel business.

•    Minimum composition of PCET reduced to 15 vans for first 6 months of the contract period to give  time to the leaseholder in the initial stage to develop business.

•    Empowers Tender Committee and delegates the power of finalizing PCET tenders.

•    It empowers Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) to finalize tenders up to 25 crore rupees

•    Loading/unloading facility at more intermediate stations - 4 intermediate stations is being allowed for a distance of 2000 km.

Besides, these two polices Railway Minister also launched and dedicated following services to the nation:

•    Flagging off of inaugural run of first time-tabled container train service from   Domestic Container Terminal, Okhla (Delhi) and Whitefield (Bengaluru).

•    Integrated (Facebook & Twitter) Social Media Platforms for grievance redressal.

•    Announcement of implementation of policy allowing differently-abled persons who are orthopaedically/paraplegic, mentally retarded, completely blind and deaf & dumb to avail concession while travelling without escort.

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