New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS): The Railways has given the job of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the corporatisation of its production units to RITES, which the national transporter will discuss with the trade unions and railway employees during April-June next year, officials said on Tuesday.
Addressing a virtual press conference, Railway Board Chairman and CEO V.K. Yadav said, "The detailed project report for the corporatisation of the railway production units is being prepared by the RITES."
He said, "Once the RITES prepares the DPR, we will discuss it with the trade unions and railway employees to look at their concern.
"Consultation period will be of two to three months between April-June next year. Based on the talks with the trade unions and railway employees we will proceed further," Yadav said.
The Railways plans to corporatise its production units -- Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Integral Coach Factory, Diesel Locomotive Works, Diesel Modernization Works, Wheel and Axle Plant, Rail Wheel Plant, Rail Coach Factory and Modern Coach Factory.
The national transporter's plan to corporatise its production units has been severely criticised by the Opposition parties, including the Congress.
To a question over only three companies bidding for the manufacturing of Vande Bharat train sets, Yadav said, "This time fresh tenders were floated for the domestic companies with the local contract increased to over 75 per cent."
He said that technical evaluation is going on and after that financial bids will be open.
In September this year, almost a month after cancelling the tender for manufacturing 44 Vande Bharat train sets, the Indian Railways invited fresh tenders for manufacturing the semi-high speed train sets focusing on the domestic manufacturers and promoting the government's ambitious 'Make in India' project.
In a statement, the Railway Ministry had said that it has floated the revised tender of semi-high speed 44 Vande Bharat trains sets for which the pre bid meeting will be held on September 29. The ministry said that the tender will open on November 17.
According to the railway ministry officials, train sets shall be manufactured at ICF/Chennai, RCF/Kapurthala and MCF/Rae Bareli. It shall be local (indigenous) tender and two stage, reverse auction shall take place.