RAILWAY IS AN ENGINE THAT NEEDS EXTRA ENERGY

How can we talk of bullet trains when our trains are running as low as 30KM per hour. A train departs from one station at 8:00 and takes almost two hours to reach another station destined only 60 kilometers away. Hence making it to move at 30 kmph.

So far the performance of Indian Railways is not at par with what was forecasted last year.

Our trains which usually run late and overly crowded still have the same story as was one year before. Delays and halts in the policy implementation or better say in policy making have only resulted in worsening the situation of the state run behemoth. An example of such delays is evident from the Delhi-Agra Semi Bullet train which was scheduled to become operational from November last year. So far it is only in talks and plans. Although trials have been completed successfully but nothing is being done after that. One side we talk about high voltage projects like bullet train on the other hand we have not been able to operate our trains properly which runs at a mere speed of 50 kmph.

Indian Railways which has been postered as the growth engine of the country is dying slowly and slowly every day. So far it is considered that lack of funds is the biggest reason for the pathetic condition of the Indian Railways. Lack of earnings is usually related to low fare structure. Yes we agree that fares in Indian Railways are too low but these can’t be called unreasonable with the quality of service it provides.

The actual problem which I see with the railways is lack of innovation. With the changing times Indian railways has not been able to keep up with the innovations. Innovations don’t mean only technology up-gradation but an up-gradation in every other department. Especially where there is some scope for earnings also. We need to be more innovative with our earning sources. We in India only talk about rich and poor. But the most powerful middle class always remains ignored and it constitutes the major share of our passengers. We need to lay our focus on them. Here I am not talking about shifting our focus from poor to them but urging to consider their needs and demands while formulating plans. For example we can add one more class to in our day travelling which will be a combination of Second Sitting (2S) and AC Chair Car. That way we will be providing AC facilities to our passengers at some low prices which may attract some more money from them. Also the arrangements which we have made in Kashmir (Rail-Road-Rail trip) could also be entered into with various airlines. Where people can travel between major cities through air while deep penetrations will be made by railways. On operating fronts developing the idly lying railway property could be a big opportunity. Also rental income could easily be made by letting out ATM spaces at major railway stations (especially at platforms).

The paucity of funds can be met with the infusion of private capital in the railways. Our corporate have enough money to invest in our railways. The only way to use their funds is to let them earn profits. Hence private funds can be attracted in the area of freight and logistics or premium and luxury train segment. Tourism is also a very good option for private investment. The best way to open railways for the private sector is to recommence the dedicated freight corridor project.

Our railway is very closely related to our people and they expect too much from the Mr Prabhu. He has a very daunting task to do and that can be completed only by walking the extra mile. Mr Prabhu needs to be very pro-active for the rejuvenation of railways. We shall start our work from considering the mini but real problems which the railway is facing. Hope the railway gets the makeover promised for it. Till then BEST OF LUCK SIR.