With frequent complaints of derailings, train accidents, and overcrowded trains, pressure had been on the Railways for change. With nearly 700 crore annual rail passengers, the safe, let alone optimal, functioning of this crucial utility becomes of paramount importance. With this in mind, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to modernise and streamline the governance of Indian Railways by integrating provisions from the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905 into the Railways Act of 1989.
This legislative change is intended to enhance the operational efficiency and independence of the Railway Board, which has historically functioned without statutory backing. Key features of the Bill include granting the Central government authority to determine the composition, qualifications, and terms of service for Railway Board members, thereby formalising existing practices.
The Bill also proposes the establishment of an independent regulator to oversee critical aspects such as tariffs and safety, fostering competition and protecting stakeholder interests. The amendment also seeks to decentralise decision-making by empowering individual railway zones, allowing them greater autonomy in managing budgets and infrastructure projects. This is particularly significant for regions like Bihar, where the Bill facilitates the extension of superfast train services, addressing long-standing connectivity issues.
However, the Bill has sparked concerns among opposition members regarding potential privatisation and the erosion of the Railway Board’s autonomy, with calls for restoring fare concessions for senior citizens. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has dismissed these concerns as unfounded, asserting that the Bill is focused on improving efficiency and maintaining the social responsibilities of Indian Railways.
Jargon
- Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024: A legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of Indian Railways by incorporating provisions from the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989.
- Statutory Powers: Legal authority granted to the Railway Board, allowing it to operate with formal recognition under the law, which it previously lacked.
- Railway Board: The governing body responsible for the administration and management of Indian Railways, which will now have its composition and functioning defined by the amended Act.
- Decentralisation: The process of distributing decision-making powers from a central authority to regional railway zones, allowing for more local control over operations and finances.
- Independent Regulator: A proposed body that will oversee key aspects of railway operations, including fare setting and safety standards, aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting stakeholder interests.
Viewpoints 💭
- The left expresses concerns that the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, could lead to the privatisation of Indian Railways, potentially impacting the affordability and accessibility of rail services for the poor.
- There is a call from the left to restore senior citizen concessions, which were withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a measure to support vulnerable populations.
- The left criticises the concentration of power in the Union government, arguing that it undermines the autonomy of the Railway Board and could lead to centralised decision-making.
- Opposition members from the left demand that the Bill be reviewed by an all-party committee to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.
- Concerns are raised about the potential erosion of employment opportunities for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities if privatisation occurs.
- While the left fears that the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, would pave the way for privatisation, the right insists that the Bill is designed to enhance efficiency without compromising public ownership.
- The left’s demand for restoring senior citizen concessions reflects a focus on social welfare, whereas the right prioritises economic efficiency and infrastructure investment.
- Concerns from the left about centralised power highlight their preference for decentralised governance, contrasting with the right’s confidence in central oversight to streamline operations.
- The left’s call for an all-party review of the Bill underscores their emphasis on democratic processes, while the right views the legislative changes as necessary for swift modernisation.
- The right’s support for private sector involvement is seen as a way to drive innovation, whereas the left worries about the potential impact on employment and service accessibility for marginalised groups.
- The right supports the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as a means to enhance the efficiency and independence of the Railway Board, aligning with broader goals of modernisation and governance improvement.
- The right dismisses claims of privatisation as a ‘fake narrative’ propagated by the opposition, emphasising that the Bill focuses on operational efficiency and infrastructure development.
- Proponents on the right highlight the establishment of an independent regulator as a step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in railway operations.
- The right views the decentralisation of decision-making to railway zones as a positive move that empowers local management and expedites infrastructure projects.
- Supporters argue that the Bill’s provisions for increased private sector participation will foster competition and innovation, ultimately benefiting passengers.
Prominent Voices 📣
- Gurjeet Singh Aujla (Congress MP): Criticised the Bill for potentially promoting privatisation and neglecting passenger benefits.
1
- Manoj Kumar (Congress MP): Expressed concerns that the Bill could lead to privatisation, undermine railway autonomy, and result in high ticket prices for Vande Bharat trains.
2
- Neeraj Maurya (Samajwadi Party MP): Criticised the lack of all-party consultation and warned against potential privatisation, urging the government to protect national assets.
3
- Kalyan Banerjee (TMC MP): Voiced concerns over government control in appointments and potential safety issues.
- Bapi Haldar (TMC MP): Expressed concern over the potential weakening of the Railways’ basic powers due to the Bill.
- Chandrasekhar Azad (Aazad Samaj Party MP): Shared apprehensions about the Bill’s impact on the Railways’ autonomy and powers.
- NK Premachandran (RSP MP): Urged the government to restore senior citizen concessions and questioned the centralisation of power in the Bill.
5
- Rajesh Ranjan (Independent MP): Criticised the Bill for neglecting passenger benefits and promoting privatisation.
- Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Railways Minister): Emphasised the Bill’s role in modernising Indian Railways, enhancing operational efficiency, and dismissed privatisation concerns as unfounded.
7
- Ravi Kishan (BJP MP): Highlighted the achievements and reformation of the Railways’ image under the Modi Government.
8
9
