Contribution of Railways in Growth
Railways is a vital nerve in the Economic System of a Nation. In the recent Railway Budget we have seen the intent of the newly elected Government to bring a paradigm shift in the way Railways operate in the Nation.
Key issues faced by the Indian Railways are :
SPEED
Over the years Govt never tried to improve Railways by technical upgrade. Reasons for such lack of attention to Railways is not very difficult to Guess. The attention has been to Road and Air Transport under lobbying by the Petro Group. Last 10 years maximum funds made available for these two purposes.
Very clear that strong petroleum lobby working in India with vested interest in large crude oil imports .
Speed of trains killed intentionally to support airlines and airports. Now Nagpur Mumbai Duronto, the premier quality train, runs at a mere 68 KM PH speed. No additional railways lines laid on many trunk routes . Delhi got metro but Mumbai still suffering. Only 2% people travel by air and 3%by toll roads rest all are ignored. With more speed same trains in same time can be extended up to 300-400 KM further to carry more passengers.
30 KM PH SPEED INCREASE OF EACH AND EVERY MAIL EXPRESS TRAIN POSSIBLE AND MUST BE DONE
SAFETY
Despite frequent and fatal accidents due to busy schedule of railways and lack of maintenance and technological upgrade, the safety was never be a prime issue for Railways. Conditions of Railways deteriorating day by day and needs appropriate attention by leadership is needed. Most of Rail ministers from Bihar always interested to push employments of Bihari people in Railways. Maximum number of people from Bihar working in Railways. Safety becoming a large issue in Railways need immediate attention.
MECHANICAL HIGH SAFETY MODEL MUST TO AVOID ACCIDENTS MUST NOW IN RAILWAYS WITH IMPROVED MAINTENANCE
SERVICES
For better and improved services people ready to pay extra money with proper care Railways can earn this money as net profit to make healthy balance sheet. Reservation, Catering Lounge ,Work centres,WiFi ,Low cost lodging type of service Railways can provide by its own or as PPP business model.
CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMY AND GROWTH OF THE NATION.
1)Railways with more efficiency can add 10 lac passengers daily with same infrastructure will help to reduce traffic on roads also pollution and congestion.
2)Railways can help in reducing Oil Import Bill by 30-40% will help to reduce fiscal deficit.This will help strengthening the Rupee.With lower rate of $ the balance oil import cost will also come down.
3)Railways can help to improve supply chain mechanism of essential commodities by supporting PDS. With Railways support the Govt can push 9-6-12 month grain to buyers. From direct MSP centre to consumers grain will move reducing adulteration and cost for Govt.Stress on storage facilities will also come down.
4)Railways with some technical modifications add large carrying capacity by covering open goods racks. These racks presently move empty in one direction. Close covering on demand can help bulk and cheap transport of many commodities. Ultimate result will be reduced cost and inflation.
5)Many ports are presently import surplus where railways move empty to carry coal,minerals and many other commodities,Such empty rakes with cover can help us to move our exports at discounted price so exports can go up many fold.
ALL THESE EFFORTS CAN HELP GDP TO GROW 1-2% EXTRA WITH STRONG PROFITS FROM RAILWAYS
With more thrust on Railways PM must try to involve talent and new ideas with respect to experience. Many weaknesses can be converted in to strengths. India as Large country must improve its Rail on priority.
- Easy Solutions of Critical Issues - July 27, 2014
- Contribution of Railways in Growth - July 16, 2014
- Public Distribution System - July 9, 2014
Sir”Indian railway stinks.I have only this comment. Till the time common man doesn’t own his responsibility, Railway system cannot change.
Good post indicating where extra caution & care may be taken. Good work by Pradeep Mahewari ji