Taking a different course: Vivek Sahai

Says the rail minister has realised that without healthy growth in freight traffic, shoring up finances is well-nigh impossible

This year's Railway Budget has taken a diverse course from last year. It has brought the freight sector into consideration which was missing last year. Prabhu has realised that without healthy growth in freight traffic, shoring up finances is well-nigh impossible. While the bulk of the speech concentrated on passenger amenities and digital connect with them, the real direction came when the minister spelt out three steps he proposed to increase the freight output of the Railways. It would have been better if the exercise for revising the tariff structure had been initiated well in advance to be incorporated in this Budget. Let us hope that this exercise will be completed without any delay to reap the benefit in the lean season - from June to September.

Another action for restructuring the Railway Board on business lines is a heartening development. It had been recommended by many previous committees. When implemented, the Railways will benefit from the synergy that it would create. There is an urgent need for reinventing the approach of the Railways towards its customers, both in passenger and freight segments. The connect with the passengers has definitely improved with intensive use of mass media. But attending to the specific needs of the freight customers was a neglected sphere. This Budget is endeavouring to set that right. The results will be seen in the mid-year performance of 2016-17.

Establishment of a Rail University at Vadodara is going to plug another loophole in the Railways preparedness for modernising the system at a brisk pace. There is a dire need for inculcating professionalism in tackling the problems being faced by the Railways. Quality research work in technology, operations and marketing will strengthen the Railways' response to market forces in work and enable it to retain its rightful modal share in the country's freight basket. The drop in volumes in both freight and passenger growth this year has been frightening. It appears that the railway minister has realised this and initiated desired course correction in the policies in the Budget. A strong Railways is an essential ingredient for a strong economy, especially in the present atmosphere of concern for deleterious effects of climate change. Let us all hope that in 2017 Indian Railways performs its desired role to perfection.

Vivek Sahai
Former chairman, Railway Board