IRCTC will now operate its third private train between Indore and Varanasi that will have rakes similar to those of the Humsafar Express. The Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav made this announcement recently.

The IRCTC has started operations of two private trains on two routes, namely Delhi-Lucknow and Ahmedabad-Mumbai in the last six months. Now, the third train between Indore and Varanasi will run three days a week, i.e., two days through Lucknow, and through Prayagraj on the third.
As per the news reports, the third train will have only sleeper coaches, instead of chair cars like the other two private trains. The inaugural run of the train will start on February 20.

Reportedly, the railway department has planned to run 150 trains by private players. However, the IRCTC will operate them till the procedure of their private operations is worked out. Several big private players have already approached the railways with their proposal.

News has it that the railways will take care of the safety, infrastructure, maintenance, and operations, whereas private train operators can offer better amenities like comfort, entertainment, food etc. by taking rakes on lease.

The government’s think tank NITI Aayog and the Railway Ministry has estimated an investment of about INR 22500 crore to operate 150 private trains on 100 routes.