Simrandeep KaurAIR 15 · CSE 2025 · 178 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Indian Railways is second largest freight transportation method in India.
Body · points
Issues pertaining in Indian Railways.
- Over utilization (above 100%) causing congestion & negative externalities.
- Poor safety mechanism e.g. CAG's reported 7/10 Rail accidents caused by derailments.
- Outdated technologies & methods. old coaches
- Cross-subsidized fares (fiscal burdens)
- Under utilized than roads.
[Pie chart]
Railway: 32%
Roadways: 58%
Other: 10%
Bracket text:
though cheaper
Rs 2.5 /ton-km on road
Rs 1.5 /ton-km on rail
Measures taken.
- Target of Net zero emission by 2050.
- Operation 'Hungry' for Cargo transportation
- Operation Raftaar for efficiency.
- FDI e.g. Japan in Metros.
- New models e.g. Vande Bharat, NaMo, etc.
Strategies can be adopted.
- Updation to LHB German coaches. (Kakodkar committee recommendation)
- Best practices of station development e.g. Khurda (Odisha) model of Amrit Bharat station
- Private sector participation for efficiency & innovation. (Bibek Debroy Committee)
- Fiscal prudence with tax buoyancy in Railway sector.
- Fool proof security development. (lessons from Balasore tragedy) e.g. 'advanced Kavach'
- Dedicated :- e.g. Kisan Trains
Close · a way forward
Indian Railways are nerves of Indian freight transportation. There should be 'Transit oriented development' around stations for 'win-win urban planning'.