PM for PPP model to modernise Rlys

• Wants Rly stations to be better than airports
  
• Favours greater private role in power sector

Katra (J&K): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday indicated that private players could be soon involved in public-private partnership (PPP) for development and modernisation of the railways in a major way. He said railway stations in the country look old and participation of private players in their modernisation would be economically viable and provide a "win-win" situation.

"We want the railway stations to have better facilities than airports. This is our dream and it is not a difficult thing to do and this is economically viable too," Modi said. He said he already discussed the issue with railways and "you will see a change in near future. We will work it out soon." The indication came just ahead of the presentation of the Rail Budget to Parliament on July 8.

Addressing a public meeting after flagging off the train from Katra, at the foothills of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, Modi said: "Jammu and Kashmir has passed through very trying times. It is every Indian's desire to ensure that the state makes progress and youths here get employment." "It is our duty, and we will do it, whether we are in power in the state or not," he said.

Modi also favoured PPP model in power sector and described renewable sources of energy as the answer to the country's growing power needs.
Inaugurating the 240-Megawatt Uri-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) located near the Line of Control in Baramulla district of Kashmir, he said renewable energy, including hydro power, is fast developing as an alternative to thermal power.

He cited the success of Bhutan in developing alternative sources of power as an example which "impressed" him during his visit to the Himalayan kingdom last month. Modi also supported the PPP model to improve the power infrastructure of the country.