Indian Railways has always been the beating heart of the country’s transport system. For decades, it has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic and social fabric. It is the mode of transport for millions of Indians daily, facilitating not just the movement of people but also essential goods across vast distances. Yet, in recent years, the state of railways has raised serious concerns. The transformation that began with the removal of the separate railway budget and the rise of privatization seems to have created more problems than it has solved.
Indian Railways, which once catered to every section of society, including students, senior citizens, and the poor, now struggles to meet the basic demands of passengers. The introduction of high-tech trains like the Vande Bharat Express is being hailed as progress, but this is not the reality for most train travellers. Many common people are left to contend with the dwindling number of regular trains, long waiting lists, and exorbitant ticket prices. The question must be asked: are we neglecting the railways, which have long been a vital lifeline for the masses?
Historically, the Indian Railway system offered various subsidies and discounts to make travel accessible to all. The special concessions for senior citizens, students, and journalists made rail travel affordable. However, with the changes that came with the Narendra Modi government, particularly with the merging of the railway budget into the Union Budget in 2016, the focus seems to have shifted away from social welfare to a more profit-driven approach. The common man is now burdened with higher fares, while essential services like Tatkal tickets have become harder to secure.
The decision to abolish the separate railway budget was a part of a broader strategy to modernize the system, ostensibly in an effort to enhance private participation. But the impact has been a series of unmet promises and deteriorating infrastructure. In the years since the Vivek Debroy Committee’s recommendations, the reality on the ground suggests that the situation has worsened rather than improved. Accidents are on the rise, and safety features like the Kavach system, which were touted as essential, have seen limited implementation.
The increase in train accidents – nearly 40 each year from 2018 to 2023, and the 2.6 lakh fatalities over the last decade, according to National Crime Records Bureau data – raises alarming questions about railway safety. Lack of manpower, poor maintenance, and underutilized safety systems are at the heart of these issues. The introduction of modern trains is meaningless if the infrastructure remains in disrepair. There is no doubt that the removal of the railway budget has had serious ramifications, from funding shortages to the mishandling of safety initiatives.
At the same time, the focus seems to have shifted to initiatives that are more about optics than practical improvement. The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express trains, with their extravagant spending on events and marketing, is a prime example of this. While these modern trains may look impressive, they cater primarily to the urban elite who can afford higher fares. Is this the future we want for India’s railways?
The railways are not just a means of transport; they are a critical component of the nation’s welfare. The land owned by Indian Railways, estimated at 48,600 hectares, represents immense potential. But this is not just about land – it’s about providing a sustainable, affordable, and accessible means of travel for the entire nation. The multiplier effect of the railways is undeniable: every Re 1 invested generates Rs 4 in returns. The railways could be the engine of economic growth, but this requires prioritizing people over profits.
A dedicated railway budget is essential. It ensures that the funds allocated to the railways are used specifically for the improvement of the infrastructure, safety systems, and services that benefit the common man. Furthermore, the position of a full-time railway minister is crucial. Currently, the railway minister is responsible for three different ministries, diluting the focus needed to address the growing concerns in the railway sector.
While the government continues to push for privatization, the question remains: can we trust private players to provide the same level of service and affordability that Indian Railways once did? The history of privatization in the UK is a cautionary tale, with rising ticket prices and poor service.
The future of transportation in India must be rooted in the expansion and improvement of the railway system. With a growing population and increasing urbanisation, the demand for affordable, reliable, and efficient public transport will only rise. Air travel, while increasingly accessible, is still out of reach for most people, and the infrastructure for road travel is woefully inadequate. Railways, with their established infrastructure and potential for expansion, remain the most viable option for the future.
It is time to restore Indian Railways to its former glory. The upcoming budget should reflect a commitment to improving the railways for the common man, with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and affordability. A dedicated railway budget, and a full-time railway minister, are essential to achieve this.