While Indian Railways transports approximately 2 crore people to their destinations daily, operating over seven thousand trains across the country, there exists a railway track in India that is still not owned by the Indian government but is instead ruled by a British company. This might seem unbelievable, especially considering that India gained independence from British rule over 75 years ago.
However, it is true that the Shakuntala Railway Track, the only railway line in India owned by a foreign entity, remains under the ownership of a private British company. This track, built by the British company Click-Nixon, is a remnant of the colonial era. Indian Railways is now in the process of acquiring the Shakuntala Railway, which is still owned by the Central Provinces Railway Company (CPRC).
Shakuntala railway track spans 190 km
The Shakuntala railway track spans 190 km, connecting Yavatmal to Achalpur in Maharashtra. It was constructed during the British era to facilitate the transportation of cotton from the Amravati and Yavatmal regions to Mumbai Port. The CPRC, established by Click-Nixon and Company, began laying the track in 1903, and it was completed in 1916.
Govt pays annual royalty to the company
Despite India's independence in 1947, the ownership of this track remained with the British company, which continues to operate it. At the time of independence, Indian Railways entered into an agreement with the CPRC, which involves the payment of an annual royalty to the company. Reports indicate that Indian Railways pays a royalty ranging from Rs 2-3 crore each year. Although there have been multiple proposals to purchase the track over the years, none have materialized until now.
Currently, the acquisition process is underway, with plans to convert the Shakuntala railway track into broad gauge. Before this acquisition, the CPRC claims a royalty of Rs 12-16 crores. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the financial year 2025-26.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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