The Rail Budget will be presented in over a month from now. Most railway ministers take populist decisions by introducing new trains — a good number of them to or passing through those constituencies or states to which they belong. But the need of the hour is to not introduce any new train, since the trunk routes are overstretched. This is resulting in most trains running behind their scheduled time at intermediate stations, except perhaps at important junctions because of the large cushion provided in the time-table. The cargo movement carrying essential goods like coal and petroleum is also hampered by innumerable halts to make way for passenger trains. The railway minister, inter alia, should ensure that more funds are provided for replacing worn-out rolling stock. Sufficient funds also need to be allocated for the employment of more Railway Protection Force personnel to make rail travel safe for the public, particularly for women. Moreover, all Duronto trains should be converted to super-fast express trains by providing additional halts at important stations, so that they become viable for more passengers. This will help to reduce the long wait list at those stations in other trains. The railway minister should also give top priority to all incomplete projects, such as those new lines that have already been sanctioned. Electrification of lines will ensure minimal cost escalation. Besides, there should be an embargo on proposing and sanctioning new projects until the existing ones are completed.
S Ravindranath Coimbatore
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