Railways: Modernisation and Safety
Notwithstanding the introduction of a number of semi-high speed Vande Bharat trains in an effort to modernise railway network in the country.
- Notwithstanding the introduction of a number of semi-high
speed Vande Bharat trains in an effort to modernise railway network in the
country, the Indian Railways should put special emphasis on safety, punctuality
and cleanliness. While train mishaps have become a matter of concern in the
recent times, the Indian railways has been badly affected by ‘trains running
behind schedule’ syndrome. Well, very recently, a foreigner had complained
about the pathetic state of toilets in Indian trains. So, besides adding speed,
the railway authorities also should enhance safety, punctuality and cleanliness
to prevent the lifeline of the country from earning a bad name as well as save
lives.
-
- Over the years, railways have become an integral part of our
lives. As a matter of fact, two major metropolitan cities -- Kolkata and Mumbai
-- are so dependent on train services that public life will come to a
standstill without it. In both the cities, the suburban rail services ensure
the livelihoods of an enormous number of people in various ways. This is why
several Indian cities and towns have come up adjacent to railway stations, as
was beside river banks in olden days.
-
- Everyday, lakhs of people commute by trains to reach their
destinations, expecting a hassle-free journey. But more often than not, the
journeys have become nightmares, especially in long-distance routes, where
trains run 10 to 12 hours behind the schedule. During the winter, when thick
fog covers a vast area of northern India, trains even run more than 20 hours behind
the schedule, making a mockery of the time table prepared by the railways.
Another issue is safety. Railway is considered as one the safest means of
transports but the recent train accidents, including the collision of three
trains at Balasore in Odisha, have raised safety concerns. The railways should
restore the confidence of the commuters by ensuring safety.
-
- So, the country’s biggest public sector has its hands full.
While it should continue to introduce modern facilities and technologies for a
hassle-free journey, safety, punctuality and cleanliness can’t be compromised.
The Indian Railways should strengthen infrastructure, ensure proper maintenance
of tracks, installation of efficient signaling system and adequate manpower. In
the absence of these, modernisation of the railways will be meaningless.
