Opposition MPs Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi praised the government for improving the cleanliness of the Indian railway network as the Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by voice vote on 11 November 2024. The bill aims to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board and includes provisions for appointing an independent regulator to oversee fare determination and promote the competitiveness of Indian Railways.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding railway infrastructure. “India is a nation of 1.40 billion people with a rapidly growing economy. There has been a lack of investment in railways for 50-60 years. Since 2014, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the railways budget has increased from ₹25,000-30,000 crore to ₹2.52 lakh crore,” Vaishnaw said. He highlighted the addition of 31,000 km of railway tracks over the last decade, including 5,300 km in the past year alone—exceeding Switzerland’s entire railway network.
Praise For Cleanliness
During the debate, Opposition leaders praised the Indian Railways for significant improvements in cleanliness and maintenance. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule lauded the Ministry’s efforts in Maharashtra. “The Railways Ministry is doing good work in the state. I would like to compliment the team for improving cleanliness at many stations,” she said.
However, Sule also raised concerns about reduced train stoppages at stations in her Baramati constituency, such as Daund, Nira, and Jejuri. “Earlier, 80 trains stopped at Daund, but now only 40 do. The Ministry says this is to increase efficiency, but the economic impact on the area is significant. I urge the Ministry to find alternative solutions,” she added.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi also commended the Railways for cleaner trains and stations. “I’d like to compliment the minister also saying we have to agree that it’s much more cleaner, the stations are much more cleaner and the trains are much more cleaner. But I also like to bring to his notice that coach conditions in the Southern Railways, especially leaves much to be desired,” she said.
In response, the Railways Ministry expressed gratitude for the Opposition’s acknowledgments. “The kind words from MPs like Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi inspire us to strive for excellence,” the Ministry stated.
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is part of a broader plan to modernize the country’s railway system. It seeks to ensure better operational efficiency and attract private investment through an independent regulatory framework.
(With inputs from India Today)