Lok Sabha has passed the landmark amendment railway amendment bill 2024 from becoming a part of Indian railway development. The amendment bill takes into account the efficiency as well as autonomy of Railway board. Amid political debates, the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said that the opposition members feared the privatization of Indian Railways by this amendment bill. Vaishnaw clarified the issue, which is not to privatize the railways but to reform and strengthen them.
The Railway Amendment Bill is the measure to be taken in upgrading the country’s railway network, thereby facilitating proper functions of the Railway Board as the one that oversees all operations. Strengthening the board’s autonomy would help in better management and better decision-making, good railway services for passengers, as well as freight transportations.
The bill’s salient features are,
- The Increased Board Independence: The bill had some strength given to Railway Board as they can take decisions and thus the board can implement reforms and run the system more effectively.
- Good Governance: The amendment focuses on improved governance of Indian Railways, making it more responsible and accountable to the public.
- Infrastructure Development: The bill basically aims at fast tracking infrastructure development that the railways ensure the growing demand for passenger and freight services.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Joins Back in Opposition Attacks
In the Lok Sabha debate, Ashwini Vaishnaw countered some of the apprehensions by opposition members that the Railway Amendment Bill was a gateway to the privatization of Indian Railways. He said that this is a false narrative with no factual evidence.
Vaishnaw said this is not going to privatise the national carrier but to bring about operational efficiencies and governance of Indian Railways. “Similar fears that were raised way back also proved to be unfounded,” he told the house.
He said, “Some members are saying this will lead to privatization. This is baseless and misleading. The purpose of this bill is to improve the functioning of the railways, not to sell off a national asset.”
Debate and Passing of the Bill
The Railway Amendment Bill had been debated in the Lok Sabha where the scrutiny was intense. However, despite the interruptions in parliamentary proceedings, the bill was at last passed by a voice vote. The debate was thus delayed because the House experienced repeated disruptions, but when it was at last held, the debate was very robust.
This bill’s passage is a crucial part of the modernization plan of the Indian Railways. It is going to address many of the long-standing issues as transportation needs in the country grow. The government expects this amendment to bring better overall functioning of the railways and makes it more responsive to future challenges.
Clarifying Government’s Position on Privatisation
Railway Minister Vaishnaw took the opportunity to remind everyone once again of the government’s stand on privatization. He went on record saying there is no plan to privatize Indian Railways with this amendment. His remarks come in the wake of allegations from opposition parties who claim that the bill will eventually be used to privatize Indian Railways.
The government has clarified that it is intended to improve the railways’ governance and infrastructure rather than privatising the service through this Railway Amendment Bill. The clarification is issued in a bid to dispel anxiety in the public and more importantly, to recommit the government to strengthening its institutions in the public service.
Impact on the Future of Indian Railways
It can be said that the positive impacts of this Railway Amendment Bill 2024 on Indian Railways would include better management and faster execution of projects as well as better delivery of services. In that case, the autonomy of the Railway Board will increase to the extent that decisions will be taken immediately; thus modernization plans as well as other infrastructure projects can be accomplished in due haste.
This is important when handling growing demands placed by India’s rail system, thus keeping it efficient enough to carry the rising number of passengers and freight.
Conclusion
The Railway Amendment Bill 2024 is an important step forward in the modernization of Indian Railways. Increased independence of the Railway Board and its governance structures are sure to lead to better functions and a better experience for the user in terms of both passengers and freight users. Ashwini Vaishnaw has taken pains to drive home the point that it is more of a reform process than privatization and the intent of the government is to build up the public rail network.
As long as railways are going to be part of the overall transportation infrastructure of India, these reforms will be continuing to benefit Indian Railways for decades to come and make it a powerful and efficient public asset.
Refer:
Economic Times, Link to article
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