"We have given our suggestion to the Cabinet and they have to take a call on what shall be the percentage...we would not mind having it up to the extent of 100 per cent but FDI would not be allowed in train operation", Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar said.

The rail budget presented today in parliament proposed to attract private domestic and FDI in infrastructure projects and pursuing private-public partnership to boost the finances of the railways.

Justifying the FDI proposal, both Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda and Kumar said there was a need for huge investment to run high speed trains and manage other projects including the upcoming dedicated freight corridors.

The Minister said that the Cabinet has to take a call and then "we will discuss it with the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues before taking a decision". Admitting that PPP in railway sector takes a long time, Kumar said that as against the target of Rs 6000 crore, Railways could get Rs 2500 crore.

He said that lack of "convergence" was also an issue hampering flow of fund under PPP but now "we would like to hear them (private players) first as to where they would like to invest in Railways and then we would set our priorities".

Touching about Railways financial health, Kumar, in his post-budget briefing, blamed the increased working expenses and staff allowance for the deterioration of the operating ratio, which stood at 93.5 per cent as against 90 per cent in the interim budget.

He said that Railways have to shell out Rs 27,000 crore on account of fuel expenses, Rs 52,000 under the staff expenses and Rs 28,000 crore to foot the pension bill.

PTI