Revised MCA introduces a nationwide licence and uniform registration fee.
Indian Railways has approved modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) governing permission for Container Train Operators (CTOs) to operate on the Indian Railways network. Under the revised framework, CTOs will be permitted to run container trains across all routes under a Single All India Licence, replacing the earlier system of separate permissions for different route categories. The revised framework also introduces a uniform non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 crore for all routes. The approved changes will be notified through a Gazette Notification. In addition, permission granted to a CTO may be extended for a further 20 years, subject to satisfactory performance, without any extension fee.
The revised framework also provides relief for existing operators. Category I licence holders may continue under their existing concession until its expiry and will not be charged any fee upon renewal or extension under the new licence. Operators holding Category II, III and IV licences may also continue under their existing concessions and will pay ₹15 crore upon renewal, extension or early migration to the new licence, representing the difference between the new registration fee and the ₹10 crore already paid. According to Indian Railways, the simplified licensing framework is expected to reduce regulatory and compliance costs, encourage greater private participation in container train operations, improve rail-based freight movement, lower logistics costs and support a shift of container traffic from road to rail.
Source: PIB
