Good news if this takes off! ~3000 coaches in ~2.5 years.
Edit: Bad math, each service will take more than one train-set, maybe 2x or 3x or more for higher frequency and longer run duration (long turnaround). But, also same train-set can be used for more than one service if low-frequency and short enough total turnaround time! So, maybe 7-8,000 coaches roughly speaking! Even if only half the list takes off, it is a big opportunity.
Union ministry of railways on Wednesday invited request for qualification (RFQ) for private participation for operation of passenger train services on over 109 pairs of routes across the country. Railways is planning to deploy 16-coach 151 modern private trains in the country by April 2023. It is expected to entail a private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore. Private firms will be responsible for financing, procuring, operation and maintenance of the trains. The trains will be designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph to reduce travel time.
No existing trains will be cancelled! Now even passenger trains, (D)EMU etc. are being LHB-fied!
Disc: holding