This refers to the editorial "A fair beginning" (July 9). Though successive governments have presented Railway budgets with elan and fanfare, the Indian Railways over the years has made no substantial improvement in how it serves the public. The Indian railway system, considered to be the largest in the world, continues to run on losses and lag behind in providing even the basic amenities for hassle-free travel. It has become habitual with every Railway budget to showcase grandiose plans and make tall claims, but they often fall short on implementation. The lack of basic amenities on trains continues to be a sore point for the railway system. Commuters are still deprived of cleanliness, quality food, security for women and better safety standards. The railway minister should keep in mind that his primary task is to augment the operational efficiency of trains in core areas where it impacts the passengers and see that every train journey taken by a common man turns out a preferred, safe, economical and pleasant mode of travel.
R Prabhu Raj, Chennai
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