India freight rail projects get budget clearances

India freight rail projects get budget clearances    The Indian government’s $5 billion construction plan to expedite freight moved by rail between major cities will be included in the state-run railway’s February budget, the Times of India reported Jan. 5.
   The national railway is building dedicated freight rail lines between Delhi and Bombay and Delhi and Calcutta. No timetable has been given for completion of lines, which will augment the government’s work to build highways between the nations’ four biggest cities.
   Future lines will likely link other major populations hubs as the nation’s consumer appetite swells parallel to its projected growth as a manufacturing and export hub.
   Funding of the project is also notable in that the railways will expect private companies to own and operate their own freight cars — a break from the norm in a government proud to be operating the world’s largest rail network.