It is often pointed out that every rupee invested in ramping up the railway infrastructure benefits the economy six times over. Soon after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power in May 2014, a committee was formed under Professor Bibek Debroy to restructure the Railway Board, the powerful body that oversees all technical and policy matters pertaining to the public-sector transporter. A majority of recommendations made by the senior economist at the New Delhi-based Centre of Policy Research was implemented. Two cross-functional directorates for non-tariff revenue and mobility, reporting directly to the Chairman of the Railway Board, were constituted. Powers were also delegated to general managers and divisional railway managers to expedite decision-making.

In this extensive interview to INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY, he says that it is entirely up to the Railways on how it would like to leverage its unique position as the country’s most inclusive transporter.

The slippages tend to mars banks profitability, but the tide seems to be turning with sharp reduction in SMA 2 cases and better NPA recovery prospects.As much as Rs 5 trillion of bank loans have deteriorated into non-performing assets NPAs in fiscal 2018, taking the total slippages in the past three fiscals to Rs 13 trillion.

Growth in corporate revenue – excluding that of banking, financial services & insurance and oil companies – is likely to print at ~9% on-year for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, CRISIL Research’s analysis of over 400 companies, which account for 65% of the market capitalisation of the National Stock Exchange shows.

Stakeholders harp on the government's infrastructure push and expect construction orders of Rs.18 trillion in the next six years. This order inflow volume should support 12 to 15 per cent of industry-level execution of compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Sustained government thrust through policy changes, investments and proactive addressing of nagging issues, has placed the roads sector in what could be its best growth trajectory yet.

According to economic survey 2015v16, the decade to 2011 saw inter-state migration of 60 million people and inter-district migration of around 80 million people. However, within the next four years, by 2015, the number of inter-state migrants increased by 45 million.

Investment opportunity stems from efforts of making rolling stock safer, faster and more efficient. The thrust on electrification is expected to give a spurt to electric locomotives, bringing down the fuel bill significantly, even as increasing investment in higher horse power locomotives will support longer rakes.

In the next five years, special purpose vehicles (SPVs) will be spending around Rs.1,631 billion on projects conceived under area-based development and Rs.388 billion on pan-city development.