Lok Sabha Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Amid Opposition Concerns Over Autonomy and Safety

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Economy; Page: 19)

 Analysis of News:   

Rationale Behind the Bill

• The origins of the Railway Board date back to pre-Independence India when the railways operated under the Public Works Department.
• The Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, provided legal backing for the Board’s powers under the then Indian Railways Act, 1890.
• However, while the 1890 Act was replaced by the Railways Act, 1989, the Railway Board Act continued to exist separately.
• The government introduced the Bill to streamline governance by merging the provisions of the 1905 Act with the Railways Act, 1989, thereby eliminating redundancies.
• According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this consolidation aims to simplify legal frameworks and bolster railway efficiency and development.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Integration of Laws:

• Repeals the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, and incorporates its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989.
• The Railway Board, already in existence, will operate under the amended 1989 Act, with no creation of new entities.

Authority of the Railway Board:

• Grants the Railway Board powers and functions previously vested in the Central Government under the Railways Act.
• Retains appointments of the Chairman and members of the Board under the amended framework.

Passenger Benefits:

• Aims to improve the Railway Board’s operational efficiency and network development.

Implications for Indian Railways

• While the Bill consolidates legal frameworks and clarifies the Railway Board’s governance, it has sparked broader debates on the future of Indian Railways.
• Critics argue that it fails to address pressing concerns like decentralization, safety reforms, and the establishment of an independent regulatory body.
• The centralization of power within the government has also raised fears of bureaucratic inertia and limited autonomy for operational decision-making.
• Supporters, on the other hand, believe the Bill is a foundational step towards modernizing the legal structure and improving operational efficiency. Its ultimate success will depend on how effectively the government implements the provisions and addresses stakeholder concerns.

Conclusion: A Step Forward Amidst Lingering Concerns

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, marks a significant legislative move to streamline governance in Indian Railways.
• However, its passage has ignited debates on decentralization, safety, and inclusivity.
• As the government proceeds with implementation, addressing these concerns will be crucial to ensuring that the Indian Railways evolves into a more efficient, inclusive, and modern transport network.