Strong on ideas, weak on implementation

COMMENT/ R N Malhotra,Former Chairman, Railway Board

The Railways are an energy-efficient mode of transport, which has special significance in the present scenario, that is, problems of global warming. On this account, railways are being resurrected and expanded world over with renewed urgency. Rail expansion activity is at its peak in West Asia and the US has started its quest for developing high-speed railway lines.

Indian Railways, in spite of its efforts, has not been able to come out of the mindset of a government organisation and is known more for popularity rather than development. On the other hand, China, with similar characteristics as ours not long ago, is developing the railways at a speed 10 times ours. People at large as well as the media keep on looking more for “goodies” from Indian Railways rather than its development. They remain oblivious of the fact that in the long term, it is causing them more harm, while giving a short-term satisfaction. Railway Budgets have been feeding on this weakness and this budget is no exception, as no increase in fares and freight has been envisaged in spite of increase in cost of almost all inputs.

Some major announcements have been made such as Railway Recruitment Board examinations in local languages, formation of Mahila Vahini’s in the Railway Protection Force and provision of hostels and crèches for railway employees.

Besides, a survey on freight corridors for four other legs of the Golden Quadrilateral is a welcome step, although work on the sanctioned eastern and western corridors has not yet gathered pace.