Railways Set To Get Facelift After Budget

The railways are set for a total overhaul after the Budget as the Narendra Modi government looks to revive the cash-strapped transporter.

According to some media reports, the government is of the view that ‘business-as-usual’ is no longer feasible and there is an urgent need to overhaul the Railways in order to transform it as an engine of economic growth.

As per a senior official, a bureaucratic reshuffle is imminent to bring efficient officials on board in finalising the revival plan.

In the past, several panels had suggested streamlining the railways for its modernisation. But successive governments pursued populist policies and did not push for reforms.

The Kakodkar committee on railway safety had found that the present organisational set-up on departmental lines is conservative and lacks dynamism. "Such a set-up also gives rise to inter-departmental rivalry, losing sight of the overall organisational goals, including safety," it said.

It also said the present form of railway organisation is more centralised, top-heavy and hierarchical along departmental lines. But the panel’s recommendations were brushed under the carpet by the previous UPA government.

In his first top level meeting with the railway board members, general managers and divisional railway managers, Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda had said, "Our government's mantra is perform or perish."

The minister had also approached junior officials directly, bypassing the seniors. "You are at liberty to communicate directly on any issue which would bring good name to the railways and I will keep it confidential," he told them.