Union railway minister Mamata Banerjee has called a meeting with chambers of commerce on February 6 to discuss how to get more private participation in rail projects.

The meeting is a prelude to the framing of a public private partnership (PPP) policy for the railways. The ministry plans to announce the policy in the coming Budget. "The new policy is aimed at attracting private developers, who have not shown much interest in railway projects hitherto," said a source in the know.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Mamata gets nowhere with demand on Kolkata metro rail extension - Naxalites feel 'isolated' in Lalgarh - Nandigram ready to give up farmland for railways - Nandigram ready to give up farmland for railway project - Interest subsidy for exporters may be extended - Blame it on Congress

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Markets flat in afternoon deals - Vikas WSP soars on capacity expansion plans - Pepper declines on weak export demand - Anna supports 'Bharat Bandh' against petrol price hike - Copper recovers in futures trade on global cues More

In last year’s Budget presentation, the railway minister had said the Railways would be upgrading 50 stations under the PPP scheme. Of these, Delhi station was seen as a test case. But, the Rs 6,000-crore project has been stuck for two years for want of approval from local bodies such as the Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Traffic Police and so on.

However, the ministry still has big plans on PPP projects. The minister has sent a team to Mumbai to discuss with industry thee and find ways to make projects attractive.

The railways plan to develop their huge land base on a PPP basis. The idea is to give the land to companies for development through revenue generating schemes. Sources said the ministry also plans to fence the land it has across the country to prevent encroachment and stoppage of railway traffic in case of protests. It is likely to be started on the Delhi-Mumbai route.

Last year, Banerjee had set up a committee on innovative funding through PPP under Ficci General-Secretary Amit Mitra. The committee gave its first report on September 14. The report called for setting up of multifunctional complexes and world-class stations through PPP.

Subsequently, the ministry set up a high-powered committee under a former member (traffic) of the Railway Board, Sriprakash, to frame strategy to monitor and implement PPP projects.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Markets flat in afternoon deals - Vikas WSP soars on capacity expansion plans - Pepper declines on weak export demand - Anna supports 'Bharat Bandh' against petrol price hike - Copper recovers in futures trade on global cues

Tags : RUN-UP TO THE BUDGET 2010-11 | Mamata Banerjee | Indian Railways | DDA | Amit Mitra | Sriprakash |   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Journey on, We are by Your Side. Click here to know more -  Benefits Upto Rs. 2.36 Lakhs on the Fully Loaded TJet Petrol. -  The Best Seller is Also the No. 1 in Mileage. Click here -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Leader in Passenger Car & Automobile Tyres. Click here -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  Learn How One City is Running on FOOD SCRAPS. -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  36 Lakhs can get you a pool of Luxuries. Click here -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE! -  One of the leading business schools in the world.Know More