Priorizting profit over public?

Opining on the issues oblivious to Railways Amendment Bill 2024.

The Railways Amendment bill aims to simplify and consolidate outdated laws governing Indian railways. It merges the Railway Board Act of 1905 into the Railways Act of 1989 creating a unified legal framework. This move is expected to eliminate redundancy, simplify governance and empower the railway board with statutory backing which will enable it to function more independently without bureaucratic delays and undue interference from the government, ensuring operational efficiency.

In Lok Sabha, the opposition has expressed strong reservations about the bill, some of them being, that the introduction of private players could dilute the public character of Indian railways and may lead to higher ticket prices which will compromise the affordability and accessibility of railways.

The Railway Amendment Bill reflects India's attempt to modernize one of the world's largest railway networks while also ensuring it remains accessible to the public.

The government's approach to railway modernization and efficiency enhancement exhibits a pattern of strategic neglect towards critical issues. This modus operandi, characteristic of bureaucratic institutions, prioritizes superficial improvements and politically expedient initiatives over addressing fundamental systemic problems.

The Indian Railways categorizes a consequential train accident as an incident with significant ramifications, encompassing casualties, fatalities, interruptions to rail services, and destruction of railway assets. An analysis of data from 17 railway zones, as disclosed by the Indian Railways, indicates that over five years, 200 consequential railway accidents resulted in 351 fatalities and 970 injuries. Furthermore, the mean annual occurrence of consequential train accidents during the 2014-2023 decade stands at 71. This statistical evidence throws light on the critical importance of railway safety measures and the need for continued vigilance in mitigating such incidents.

Railway authorities have often blamed these accidents on human error, preferably the deceased personnel of the damaged trains for incompetence in following the safety protocols. These incidents underscore the urgent necessity for the extensive implementation of an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, which is essential for preventing collisions. This system functions by automatically engaging the brakes when trains approach signals or come into proximity to one another at elevated speeds.

The enactment of Kavach, the indigenous ATP system, has been repeatedly lauded by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for its efficacy in preventing railway accidents. However, the deployment of this technology has been notably sluggish. As of July 2024, Kavach has been implemented on a mere 1,465 kilometres of the total 68,000-kilometer railway network, representing an increase of only 300 kilometres in the two years following its introduction. Moreover, its application remains confined to the South Central Railway. The adoption of Kavach in locomotive engines has also been limited. The system is currently operational in 144 engines, up from 90, which constitutes less than 1% of the total 15,200 engines in service. This slow rate of implementation has raised concerns about the overall safety of the railway network. While the development of indigenous technological capacity is a desirable goal, safety is not up for compromise at the crossroads of prio­rity.

This bill is another deliberate attempt to silence the cries of loco pilots, a pivotal branch of the railway's infrastructure, who have been deprived of adequate bathroom facilities and justifiable working hours. The loco pilots have, time and time again, requested the implementation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s 1919 convention to fix the working hours. The Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation (IRLRO) first raised the issue in 2009 and finally, in 2024, a committee was set up by the Ministry of Labour to discuss the struggles that loco-running staff have had to face for years. This committee’s promise to find solutions in a year is just another addition to the government’s pile of empty assurances. The provisions listed on the Railways Amendment Bill 2024 highlight a tendency to sidestep crucial challenges, which is particularly problematic in the context of railway infrastructure, where safety and operational integrity are paramount.

This approach reflects a broader issue in public policy implementation, where short-term political considerations often overshadow long-term strategic planning.

In the case of railway modernization, this venture imposes the challenge of striking a balance between embracing private investment and safeguarding the public character of Indian railways. To effect meaningful change and truly modernize the railway system, a more holistic and transparent approach is the need of the hour.

This bill is a pivotal moment in Indian Railway history, but whether it becomes a game changer or a source of contention will depend on its implementation and the government's ability to address public concerns.