Railway Safety Investments and Reforms in India

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented a compelling case for enhanced railway safety and infrastructure in India during a Rajya Sabha discussion. He announced an annual investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore aimed at improving safety measures. This comes in the wake of reduction in railway accidents, with the annual incident rate dropping from 171 to just 30. The Minister brought into light the extensive reforms undertaken over the past decade, contrasting them with the previous governance period.

Investment in Safety Measures

The Government of India has committed substantial financial resources to railway safety. The annual investment for safety improvements has surged to over Rs 1.14 lakh crore, a stark increase from the Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 crore allocated during the UPA tenure. This financial commitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance railway infrastructure and reduce accidents.

Infrastructure Developments

Significant advancements in railway infrastructure have occurred in the last 11 years. Approximately 34,000 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid, surpassing the entire railway network of Germany. Furthermore, over 45,000 kilometres of tracks have been electrified, contributing to pollution reduction and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.

Decentralisation of Authority

The decentralisation of authority within the railway administration has been a key reform. General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers now have enhanced powers to approve contracts and projects. This change has accelerated project execution and improved operational efficiency.

State Allocations and Cooperative Federalism

The current administration has emphasised cooperative federalism, ensuring equitable budget allocations for states regardless of political affiliation. For instance, Kerala received Rs 3,000 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 6,626 crore, Odisha Rs 10,000 crore, and West Bengal Rs 13,955 crore in the latest budget. This approach aims to encourage development across all states.

Addressing Employment and Amenities

The NDA government has generated more jobs compared to the UPA regime, creating 5.02 lakh jobs against 4.11 lakh. Additionally, over 3.10 lakh toilets have been built in railway coaches to improve passenger amenities. However, concerns remain regarding unfilled vacancies and recruitment processes.

The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed to enhance the functioning of the Railway Board. The bill proposes the establishment of an independent regulator for fare determination and competitive practices. It also stipulates that the central government will oversee appointments and qualifications for Board members, aiming to improve governance.

Opposition Concerns

Opposition members raised concerns about the potential centralisation of power and the adequacy of amenities for passengers. They brought into light issues such as rising ticket prices and the need for a comprehensive overhaul of railway management. However, the Minister defended ongoing reforms, asserting that they have been effective in addressing safety and operational challenges.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of decentralisation on governance in the Indian Railways.
2. Estimate the significance of cooperative federalism in resource allocation among state of Indias.
3. Point out the challenges faced by the Indian Railways in improving passenger amenities.
4. What are the implications of the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 on railway governance and safety?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of decentralisation on governance in the Indian Railways.

1. Decentralisation has empowered General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers, enhancing decision-making authority.
2. This shift has led to faster project execution and improved operational efficiency in railway management.
3. GMs can now approve contracts and projects below certain financial thresholds, streamlining processes.
4. It encourages accountability at local levels, encouraging responsiveness to regional needs and issues.
5. However, challenges may include inconsistencies in implementation and potential disparities in resource allocation across regions.

2. Estimate the significance of cooperative federalism in resource allocation among states of India.

1. Cooperative federalism promotes equitable distribution of resources, ensuring all states receive fair budget allocations.
2. Recent allocations highlight substantial increases for states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal.
3. This approach encourages collaboration between the central and state governments, enhancing overall development.
4. It reduces regional disparities and supports infrastructure development across diverse political landscapes.
5. Challenges may arise from political differences, impacting the consistency of resource allocation and cooperation.

3. Point out the challenges faced by the Indian Railways in improving passenger amenities.

1. Despite constructing over 3.10 lakh toilets, concerns persist about cleanliness and maintenance in railway coaches.
2. Rising ticket prices have led to dissatisfaction among passengers regarding value for money and service quality.
3. Unfilled vacancies and slow recruitment processes hinder the ability to provide adequate staff for passenger services.
4. Criticism regarding declining amenities marks the need for a comprehensive overhaul of management practices.
5. Balancing modernization with maintaining traditional services poses an ongoing challenge in meeting passenger expectations.

4. What are the implications of the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 on railway governance and safety?

1. The bill aims to enhance the functioning and autonomy of the Railway Board, improving governance structures.
2. It establishes an independent regulator for fare determination, promoting competitive practices within the Railways.
3. Central oversight of appointments for Board members is intended to ensure qualified leadership and accountability.
4. The focus on safety reforms is critical, as it aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing accidents and enhancing infrastructure.
5. Opposition concerns about centralisation highlight the need for careful implementation to maintain regional autonomy and effectiveness.