FRIDAY SEMINAR
Speaker: Prof. G Raghuram
Former Director,
IIM Bangalore
Date: 19th September 2025 [Friday]
Time: 03:30PM
[High Tea: 3:00PM]
Venue: SEMINAR HALL [Management Studies]
Title: ” A Critique of the Initiative for Public–Private Partnership in Passenger Train Operations”
Abstract:
Public–private partnership (PPP) in passenger train operations has gained significance globally over the past two decades. However, the monopolistic nature of rail infrastructure and strong incentives for vertical integration due to economies of scope make rail provisioning more challenging than other transport sectors. While services in road, aviation, and maritime moved into privatization earlier due to lower entry costs and deregulation, the capital-intensive hardware side remained with the government until PPP models emerged in the late 1990s.
In India, private participation has increased significantly in infrastructure and services, but railways have been a late starter. Indian Railways (IR) focused mainly on hardware projects, such as port connectivity and dedicated freight corridors, structured as engineering, procurement, and construction plus contracts with limited market incentives for concessionaires. Private sector involvement in terminal development and freight services, especially container train operations, faced challenges like lack of an independent regulator and an uneven playing field. On the passenger side, services remain solely under IR, and the first private passenger service bid in 2020 was scrapped due to poor response.
This study examines the bid design, bidding process, service issues, and regulatory framework, highlighting key lessons and critical questions for future PPPs.
Brief Bio:
Prof. G Raghuram is a distinguished academic leader and former Director of IIM Bangalore and Dean of IIM Ahmedabad. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, a PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad, and a BTech from IIT Madras. His research focuses on Infrastructure and Transportation Systems and Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Prof. Raghunath has significantly contributed to management education and policy in India.
ALL ARE WELCOME