Desperate to attract private investment in the cash-strapped railways, the Cabinet on Thursday cleared the state-run transporter's plan to rope in the private sector for building new rail lines and plants, and augment capacity.With the policy in place, the railways will be able to get the private sector to connect ports, mines and industrial plants with the rail network by allowing them to invest in laying the tracks for last-mile connectivity.The move comes as the railways, in the absence of fare increase, has failed to generate resources for funding modernization.The All-India Railwaymen Federation has said they don't have any problem with private sector participation in infrastructure development. However, they will oppose if railways tries to hand over operation and maintenance to private companies.