India’s Railway System, A Lifeline For The Masses Yet A Tragedy For Countless; Why Is The Indian Government Not Focused On The Most Critical Aspects Of Indian Railways?

The recent train collision in Balasore, Odisha, the many instances of derailment, yet another instance where a few coaches caught fire on the New Delhi – Bihar train and subsequent reports of overcrowding and violence during the festive season shed light on the misplaced priorities in the Indian railway system.

Indian Railways serves as the lifeline for millions of people, especially those who cannot afford air travel. It plays a pivotal role in connecting India’s vast and diverse landscape, reaching even the smallest villages that may be inaccessible by other means of transportation.

For a significant portion of the population, the railway network is not just a mode of travel but a crucial link that bridges the geographical and economic gaps. The affordability and extensive reach of the Indian Railways make it an indispensable means of transportation for the masses, fostering social inclusion and economic connectivity.

Thus, the importance of Indian Railways cannot be stated; the government’s push for initiatives like the Vande Bharat trains, touted for their high speed, neglects fundamental issues such as safety, punctuality, seat availability, and revenue generation.

The clamour for seats and space within India’s bustling railway system has given rise to a host of challenges, with incidents such as stampedes telling us of the urgent need for systemic improvements.

The sheer volume of passengers, issues like overcrowded trains, and the unavailability of seats have created an environment ripe for chaos and safety hazards. Instances of stampedes, tragic and avoidable, highlight the strain on the system and the dire consequences of insufficient infrastructure.

As travelers jostle for limited space, especially during peak seasons or festival rushes, the railway authorities face the critical task of not only ensuring the availability of seats but also managing the flow of passengers to prevent dangerous situations. Addressing these issues is paramount to enhancing the safety and experience of millions relying on the Indian railways for their journeys.

The Great (Hidden) Turmoil, Indian Railways

Financially, the Indian Railways has faced challenges, with an operating ratio of 107.39% in 2021-22 – the worst ever.

The failure to generate sufficient revenue surplus hampers crucial investments, notably in safety measures. The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh, a fund dedicated to railway safety, has suffered as the Railways failed to provide its share, impacting critical projects.

Infrastructure Deficit and Unmet Targets
The ageing infrastructure of the Indian railways is a significant concern. The failure to meet targets for track renewals, with derailments linked to insufficient renewals, emphasizes the need for urgent action.

The reduction of non-AC coaches, as claimed by social media users, adds to the challenges, leading to overcrowding and passenger discomfort.
The inability to replace old assets worth Rs 94,873 crore from the Depreciation Reserve Fund showcases the impact of poor revenues on essential projects.

The government’s flagship Vande Bharat trains, designed for high speed, have failed to reach their average speed targets due to track conditions.

On June 3, the proposed virtual inauguration of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was overshadowed by one of the deadliest train accidents in Indian history that occurred the night before – a collision involving three trains in Odisha’s Balasore city resulted in over 290 fatalities and left more than 900 injured.

While the Goa-Mumbai train eventually commenced operations towards the end of June with much fanfare on official social media handles, it spotlighted the ongoing issues within the Indian Railways, contradicting the government’s emphasis on high-speed initiatives such as the Vande Bharat trains.

Social media users promptly highlighted that flights on the same route were available at cheaper prices, bringing to light the misplaced priorities in railway policies under the Modi government.

The Misguided Social Media VS Reality
The tragic incident in Balasore and the affordability concerns of Vande Bharat trains are examples of the railways’ skewed focus on modernization, neglecting fundamental aspects like safety, punctuality, seat availability, and revenue generation.

As the festive season unfolded, reports emerged of violence due to train cancellations, overcrowding, and a stampede at Surat station that claimed one life and injured three; these incidents are enough to shed light on the deteriorating state of affairs within the Indian Railways.

The Financial Inadequacy
Financially, the Indian Railways found itself in dire straits, as revealed by a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General in August. The operating ratio, a key financial metric, reached an alarming 107.39% in 2021-’22, indicating that the Railways spent more than Rs 107 to earn Rs 100 during that period.

While the government attributed this to the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on revenues, data showed a consistent decline since 2016-’17, with the ratio hovering around 100%.

The failure to generate a revenue surplus has hampered the Railways’ ability to make critical investments. The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh, a fund dedicated to railway safety, failed to achieve its annual allocation target of Rs 20,000 crore due to the Railways’ inability to provide its share.

Only Rs 4,225 crore was contributed between 2017-’18 and 2022-’23, with a significant portion diverted for questionable expenditures, as highlighted by a 2022 Comptroller and Auditor General report.

Similarly, the Depreciation Reserve Fund, meant for asset replacement and renewal, received only Rs 3,440 crore from internal resources between 2017-’18 and 2022-’23, less than half the allocated amount in 2013-’14 alone.

The consequence of these financial woes is evident in the Railways’ inability to replace old assets worth Rs 94,873 crore, particularly in track renewal, where only a fraction of the required amount was utilized.

Social media reports surfaced claiming a reduction in non-AC coaches and an increase in air-conditioned coaches to boost revenue, leading to passenger complaints of overcrowding and seat unavailability.

While Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw denied these claims, numerous news reports over the past few years have detailed reductions in non-AC coaches, prompting concerns about affordability and passenger comfort.

Later Than Before And More
The Comptroller and Auditor General’s audit in April last year further stressed the issue of timeliness in the Indian Railways, revealing a decline in punctuality from 79% in 2012-’13 to 69.23% in 2018-’19.

Recent reports from The Times of India also highlighted a decline in the average speed of passenger and freight trains, bringing into question the efficiency of the entire railway network.

Even the government’s flagship Vande Bharat trains, designed for speeds of 110 km per hour to 130 km per hour, failed to achieve an average speed of 100 km per hour.

Officials attribute this to safety concerns arising from inadequate track conditions, emphasizing the challenges of operating high-speed trains without addressing the broader network’s issues.

How We Stack Up?
The Indian railway system, one of the world’s largest, boasts a history dating back to the nineteenth century; however, despite its vast coverage, it faces numerous challenges in the contemporary era.

In comparison to several other countries, India’s railway system faces notable challenges and lags behind in crucial aspects. While countries like China boast the world’s most extensive high-speed rail network, India struggles with outdated infrastructure and safety concerns.

China’s investment in modern infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has set a global benchmark for efficiency and speed, a standard that India has yet to achieve.

Japan is renowned for its punctuality and precision in railway operations, particularly with its Shinkansen or “bullet trains.” European countries like Germany and France prioritize sustainability and have well-integrated systems combining high-speed trains with local commuter services.

In contrast, India’s railway technology lags, and the focus on high-speed trains has often overshadowed the essential need for overall infrastructure improvement. The United States, while having a broad railway network, falls behind in passenger train services concerning coverage and speed.

India can learn valuable lessons from these global counterparts to address its challenges, enhance safety, and modernize its railway infrastructure effectively.

The Last Bit, India’s railway system, among the world’s largest, has a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century; however, despite its extensive reach, it grapples with numerous challenges that hinder its efficiency and safety, taking countless meaningful lives.

In order to shine through, the government’s emphasis on high-speed trains should not overshadow the critical importance of addressing safety concerns, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring the overall efficiency of the railway network.

There are valuable lessons to be learned from countries with advanced and seamlessly integrated railway systems, and the future success of India’s railways lies in a comprehensive approach that prioritizes, above all – safety, along with technological innovation, the overall enhancement of the passenger experience, strictly in that order.