As part of the reforms, the existing route-wise categorisation of licences will be abolished NEW DELHI: Container Train Operators (CTOs) will now be able to operate across the entire Indian railways network with a single licence by paying a one-time fee, in a move akin to the National Permit system for trucks. The reform aims to boost containerised cargo movement by rail, reduce road congestion and cut air pollution, especially as nearly the entire railway network has been electrified and rail freight remains significantly cheaper than road transport.Introducing the major overhaul of the CTO licensing framework in nearly two decades, the railway ministry has approved a uniform all-India licence fee of Rs 25 crore, replacing the existing system under which operators paid Rs 10 crore or Rs 50 crore depending on the category of licence.Under the existing regime, concession agreements are valid for 20 years and may be extended by another 10 years. Under the revised framework, operators will instead be eligible for a fresh 20-year licence after successfully completing the initial 20-year concession period, with no additional renewal fee.”The changes will be notified through a Gazette notification,” the railway ministry said.As part of the reforms, the existing route-wise categorisation of licences will be abolished. The ministry said the simplified framework would lower compliance costs and provide greater operational flexibility. There are currently 22 CTOs in the country, and the ministry expects the new policy to attract more private operators.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesExisting operators will be allowed to continue under their current licence category until the end of their concession period. However, they may opt for an early migration to the new all-India licence by paying Rs 15 crore.The ministry said the uniform registration fee and the removal of renewal charges would reduce regulatory and compliance costs while simplifying the approval process.”The amendments are aimed at establishing a simplified and uniform licensing framework for CTOs across the Indian Railways network. The reforms are expected to facilitate a streamlined approval mechanism while providing a common regulatory framework for container train operations under the Model Concession Agreement,” it said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 AcquittalThe Bankipur Effect: How One Bypoll Has Put BJP’s Upper-Caste Strategy Under The SpotlightSupreme Court Frees Man After 22 Years In Jail, Overturns Wrong Conviction123PhotostoriesRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles10 trendy three-letter baby names with beautiful meaningsYour 50s could decide how many years you live without dementia: Study says controlling 3 midlife health risks may add up to 12.6 healthy brain yearsJacqueline Fernandez proves charcoal is the new black in a show-stopping Manish Malhotra ensembleNo parenting book can prepare you for this: 7 powerful lessons every parent only learns through experienceNot everything you were taught was meant to set you free: 8 beliefs every woman needs to unlearn to finally live life on her own terms5 simple ways to reheat pizza so it tastes fresh again: Which method works best and why5 subtle signs the universe is preparing you for a new beginningInside Nagma Mirajkar’s dreamy Mumbai home: A massive living room, a balcony with stunning views and more10 money habits you should learn in your 20s to build long-term wealth123Hot PicksSaurav DasDelhi rainAbhijeet DipkeRRB ALP CBT 2 answer keyTN Agriculture BudgetTASMAC OnlineAnkur WarikooUPI transactionsGold rate todayTop TrendingAkhilesh YadavNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeTasmac Liquor Online PurchaseJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
NEW DELHI: Container Train Operators (CTOs) will now be able to operate across the entire Indian railways network with a single licence by paying a one-time fee, in a move akin to the National Permit system for trucks. The reform aims to boost containerised cargo movement by rail, reduce road congestion and cut air pollution, especially as nearly the entire railway network has been electrified and rail freight remains significantly cheaper than road transport.Introducing the major overhaul of the CTO licensing framework in nearly two decades, the railway ministry has approved a uniform all-India licence fee of Rs 25 crore, replacing the existing system under which operators paid Rs 10 crore or Rs 50 crore depending on the category of licence.Under the existing regime, concession agreements are valid for 20 years and may be extended by another 10 years. Under the revised framework, operators will instead be eligible for a fresh 20-year licence after successfully completing the initial 20-year concession period, with no additional renewal fee.“The changes will be notified through a Gazette notification,” the railway ministry said.As part of the reforms, the existing route-wise categorisation of licences will be abolished. The ministry said the simplified framework would lower compliance costs and provide greater operational flexibility. There are currently 22 CTOs in the country, and the ministry expects the new policy to attract more private operators.
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Existing operators will be allowed to continue under their current licence category until the end of their concession period. However, they may opt for an early migration to the new all-India licence by paying Rs 15 crore.The ministry said the uniform registration fee and the removal of renewal charges would reduce regulatory and compliance costs while simplifying the approval process.“The amendments are aimed at establishing a simplified and uniform licensing framework for CTOs across the Indian Railways network. The reforms are expected to facilitate a streamlined approval mechanism while providing a common regulatory framework for container train operations under the Model Concession Agreement,” it said.
