Defence:
The Government vide Press Note 7 /2014 dated 26th August, 2014 has allowed FDI upto 49% on approval route in Defence sector with certain conditions e.g., the applicant company seeking FIPB approval be an Indian company owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens. Above 49% the proposal will be routed to Cabinet Committee on Security on a case to case basis, wherever it is likely to result in access to modern and state-of-art technology in the country. FPI investment has been allowed to be made in the Defence sector upto 24% on automatic route. A number of conditions have been relaxed /removed making the sector more investor friendly.
The proposal is expected to result in technology transfer which would help in increasing the production base and providing an impetus to manufacturing sector and job creation in India. The measure is expected to not only reduce the heavy burden of imports and conserve foreign exchange reserves but also make domestic manufacturing an integral part of GDP growth of the country.
Railways:
The Govt. (vide PN 8/2014 dated 26th August, 2014) has allowed 100% private and FDI investment under automatic route in Rail infrastructure (other than construction, operation and maintenance of (i) Suburban corridor projects through PPP, (ii) High speed train projects, (iii) Dedicated freight lines, (iv) Rolling stock including train sets, and locomotives/coaches manufacturing and maintenance facilities, (v) Railway Electrification, (vi) Signaling systems, (vii) Freight terminals, (viii) Passenger terminals, (ix) Infrastructure in industrial park pertaining to railway line/sidings including electrified railway lines and connectivities to main railway line and (x) Mass Rapid Transport Systems ) subject to meeting sectoral laws and with the condition that FDI beyond 49% in sensitive areas from security point of view will be approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security on a case to case basis.
The proposal for amendments will facilitate private investment including FDI inflows into infrastructure projects including elevated rail corridor project in Mumbai, High Speed Train project, port connectivity projects, dedicated freight corridors, logistic parks, station development, locomotive manufacturing units and power plants, through public-private partnerships which would not only bring in the much needed capital but also technology and global best practices.
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