Off-track finances

Indian Railways needs better financial control

The Union Cabinet approved proposals worth Rs 32,512 crore from the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday to expand the rail network in different parts of the country. The approved funds will be used in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha. Investments in capacity enhancement, which has considerably increased in recent years, must be welcomed as it will help improve overall economic efficiency. But higher investment in capacity creation through the Union Budget should not divert attention from the railways’ own finances. It will only be able to perform to its potential, and make the necessary investments