Amid criticisms from the opposition regarding recent railway mishaps, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the Rajya Sabha, providing a comparative analysis of railway accident statistics across different tenures. Citing past figures, Vaishnaw stated that during RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure in 2005-06, there were a total of 698 accidents and derailments, averaging nearly two per day. Similarly, under TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, 395 such incidents occurred. By contrast, during Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s tenure, the number of accidents and derailments had reduced significantly to 38.
Highlighting the substantial improvement in railway safety, Vaishnaw emphasized that where there were previously around 700 accidents annually, the figure has now dropped to less than 80 per year. This includes 30 accidents and 43 derailments annually, reflecting an impressive 90% reduction in railway mishaps.
Expansion of Indian Railways’ Export Capabilities
Vaishnaw also shed light on India’s growing railway export industry, particularly the upcoming shipment of locomotives from the Marhaura factory in Bihar’s Saran district. While the project was initially announced during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure, it remained dormant until the intervention of the Narendra Modi-led government, which revived its operations. Soon, ‘Made in Bihar’ locomotives will be exported to multiple international destinations.
Providing further insights into railway exports, the minister mentioned that Indian metro coaches are now being supplied to Australia, and train bogies are being exported to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia. Additionally, propulsion systems manufactured in India are reaching countries such as France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. This expansion highlights the growing global footprint of Indian Railways in the manufacturing and export sectors.
Improved Financial Stability of Indian Railways
Addressing financial concerns, Vaishnaw assured that the financial condition of Indian Railways remains stable, with continuous efforts to enhance revenue and efficiency. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, railway operations have successfully bounced back, with both passenger and cargo traffic showing consistent growth.
He further noted that the Indian Railways is now self-sustaining, funding its operational expenses through its revenues. “Railways is fulfilling its expenses from its income because of good performance… Overall, the financial condition is good, and we are constantly working on improvements,” he stated.
Expansion of Railway Coach Production and Freight Operations
Vaishnaw highlighted that despite increasing costs, Indian Railways continues to keep passenger fares significantly lower than the actual cost per kilometer. He explained that while the cost of train travel per kilometer stands at approximately Rs 1.4, passengers are charged only 73 paise. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping rail travel affordable for the public.
Discussing production figures, the minister revealed that Indian Railways manufactured 1,400 locomotives this year alone, surpassing the combined production of the United States and Europe. By March 31, India is poised to become one of the top three freight carriers in the world, handling an estimated 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo annually. This marks a substantial leap in India’s freight operations and underscores the country’s growing logistical capabilities.
Addressing Concerns Over Reduction of Non-AC Coaches
Responding to concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the alleged reduction in general and non-AC coaches, Vaishnaw refuted the claims, stating that the number of general coaches is being increased. According to him, the current production plan includes 17,000 non-AC coaches, making them 2.5 times more prevalent than AC coaches. This move is aimed at addressing the needs of the common people and ensuring that affordable rail travel remains accessible.
The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s efforts to enhance railway safety, financial stability, and international expansion while maintaining affordability for passengers. With continuous improvements and modernization initiatives, Indian Railways is positioning itself as a global leader in rail transport.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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