The Transformation of Indian Railways Under Narendra Modi's Leadership
The Indian Railways, often hailed as the lifeline of the nation, underwent significant changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet members. This article explores the challenges and transformations, highlighting the policies that have reshaped the Indian Railways into a more efficient and modern network.
The Past and Present
Contrary to the belief that a rock changes with rain or a donkey becomes an elephant overnight, the Indian Railways experienced substantial changes under the stewardship of the current government. Successive chairmen and railway board members have been sorely lacking in vision and courage, often prioritizing personal gains over the greater good. The worst series of accidents in the Indian Railways' history occurred under the leadership of Suresh Prabhu, which calls into question the board's accountability and competence.
Accident Investigations and Transparency
The incident under Suresh Prabhu's leadership was not a singular event but part of a broader pattern of mishaps. It was discovered that the passenger coaches manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur and the Rae Bareli Factory, predominantly used to garner votes for Sonia Gandhi, were built with outdated technology. This led to significant passenger casualties. In response, drastic measures were taken to overhaul the factory, leading to the discontinuation of its own designs and the adoption of modern German LHB coaches. Despite these measures, the need for a comprehensive shake-up in leadership and operational practices remains pressing.
Modernization Efforts
Not all changes have been negative. One of the sectors where the current government has made notable progress is the railway infrastructure. The modernization efforts, including the manufacturing of faster and safer Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, have been commendable. Integral Coach Factory Chennai has produced over 5500 LHB coaches between 2017 and 2018, surpassing the production numbers from 2001 to 2016. In addition, the Indian Railways is collaborating with European partners to develop semi-high speed trains, such as Train 18 and Train 20, which are expected to gradually replace the Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains.
Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
Significant efforts have also been made to improve safety. The removal of unmanned level crossings across the country is a crucial step. In just a few years, the number of level crossings has been reduced from 8948 in 2014 to 1042, with plans to further reduce this number. This initiative has significantly reduced fatalities at level crossings, with 475 people losing their lives in accidents between 2012 and 2018.
Enhanced Passenger Services
While modernization and safety improvements have been a priority, passenger facilities have also seen significant enhancements. Railway stations across the country have been developed and redeveloped with better amenities, leading to improved cleanliness and reduced waiting times. The introduction of free public WiFi at nearly 800 stations, with plans to expand this to over 6000 stations, has further enhanced the traveler's experience.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite these positive developments, the Indian Railways still faces numerous challenges. The quality of on-board passenger services remains subpar, with many areas requiring further improvement. The Indian Railways is still behind in terms of technological upgradation, particularly in the Research and Development Organisation (RDSO).
The next government will need to continue the work of overhauling the Railways to make it more passenger-friendly and efficient. Public-private partnerships and international collaborations will be essential to drive further improvements in technology, safety, and service quality.
As the Indian Railways moves forward, it is crucial to maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring that the investments made result in tangible benefits for the millions of daily commuters.