New Delhi, March 12, 2024 : Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday that the government is prioritizing railway safety, allocating over Rs 1 lakh crore annually to enhance infrastructure and systems. During the debate on the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw highlighted significant progress in reducing railway accidents and improving infrastructure under the Modi government.
The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was passed through a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha, aims to reform the functioning of the Railway Board and introduce an independent regulator to oversee fare determination and competitiveness. The bill had already been approved by the Lok Sabha in December 2023.
Decline in Railway Accidents
Vaishnaw emphasized that the annual railway accident rate has dropped dramatically from 171 incidents to just 30, thanks to various safety measures. He noted that the government has addressed safety concerns at 9,000 unmanned level crossings by deploying personnel or constructing underpasses and flyovers. Additionally, tracks, safety devices, and signaling systems have been upgraded to ensure safer operations.
“Under the UPA regime, investments in safety were limited to Rs 8,000-10,000 crore. Today, we are investing over Rs 1.14 lakh crore annually on enhancing safety. However, we are not satisfied and will continue to address the root causes of issues,” Vaishnaw stated.
Decentralization and Infrastructure Development
The minister highlighted the decentralization of decision-making powers, which has expedited project execution. General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) now have full authority to approve contracts and projects up to Rs 50 crore. “This decentralization over the last decade has led to faster implementation of projects,” Vaishnaw said.
He also pointed out that the government has laid 34,000 km of new railway tracks in the last 11 years, surpassing the total network of countries like Germany. Additionally, over 45,000 km of tracks have been electrified, reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
Cooperative Federalism and State Allocations
Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to cooperative federalism, noting that states not governed by the BJP have also received substantial allocations in the railway budget. For instance, Kerala was allocated Rs 3,000 crore, a significant increase from the Rs 372 crore provided during the UPA regime. Similarly, Tamil Nadu received Rs 6,626 crore, compared to Rs 870-880 crore earlier, while Odisha and West Bengal saw allocations rise to Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 13,955 crore, respectively.
Opposition Concerns
Opposition members, including Ramji Lal Suman of the SP and V Sivadasan of the CPIM, raised concerns about vacant positions, reduced amenities, and increasing ticket prices. Suman criticized the Railways for not conducting recruitment exams, while Sivadasan accused the ministry of “derailing” and neglecting passenger amenities.
Sandeep Kumar Pathak of the AAP supported the bill but called for an overhaul of railway management and greater investment in capacity building. He pointed out that 70% of funds are currently used for pensions and salaries, leaving limited resources for infrastructure development.
Independent Regulator and Railway Board Reforms
The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 introduces provisions to appoint an independent regulator to oversee fare determination and ensure competitiveness. It also brings the Railway Board under the 1989 Railway Act, making the central government responsible for the appointment and tenure of its Chairman and members.
Vaishnaw dismissed opposition claims that the bill would centralize power, stating that it aims to improve the functioning and independence of the Railway Board. The government’s focus on railway safety, infrastructure development, and decentralization has yielded significant results, with a sharp decline in accidents and record investments in modernization. However, challenges remain, including addressing vacancies, improving amenities, and ensuring sustainable funding for future projects. As the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 takes effect, the government aims to further strengthen the sector and enhance its role in India’s economic growth.