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Indian Railways, established in 1853, is one of the world's longest railway networks, playing a crucial role in India's economy and cultural integration. It has transitioned from steam engines to diesel and electric engines, focusing on modernization and urban transport with metro rail systems. Despite regional disparities, efforts like Dedicated Freight Corridors aim to enhance efficiency and address challenges like ageing infrastructure and financial sustainability. The government's initiatives include station redevelopment, digitization, technology adoption, and partnering with stakeholders through PPP models. Modernizing Indian Railways is imperative for national development, requiring collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
Ministry of Railways has launched Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for the development of stations on Indian Railways. So far, 1318 Stations as appended have been identified for development under this scheme. Modernisation/upgradation of railway stations is a continuous and ongoing process.
The scheme's target is the introduction of new amenities as well as to upgrade and replace existing facilities. These stations will be redeveloped under what is being internally called the “Khurda model of redevelopment”
Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat Express flag off: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off a total of eight new trains on December 30, 2023. These include two new Amrit Bharat Express trains and six new Vande Bharat Express train services.
Indian Railways carries both freight (goods) and passengers, contributing significantly to the economy. Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged its role in unifying diverse cultures during India's freedom struggle. Railway infrastructure initially focused on linking towns, raw material sources, plantations, and commercial crop areas during British colonial rule. Post-independence, railway expansion extended to previously underserved regions. Today, railways remain important for mass transportation, although network density varies across regions. Hill states, northeastern states, central India, and Rajasthan have relatively less dense railway networks.
Indian railways has transitioned from steam engines to diesel and electric engines for increased speed and capacity. They have focused on reduction of environmental impact by replacing coal-powered steam engines. There is an Urban transport revolution because of metro rail implementation. This has reduced vehicles on the road and in turn pollution in the city.
Name of Zone | Headquarters | Establishment | States Covered |
---|---|---|---|
Central Railway | Mumbai CST | 1951 | Maharashtra, parts of MP |
Eastern Railway | Kolkata | 1952 | West Bengal, Bihar |
East Central Railway | Hajipur | 1996 | Bihar, Jharkhand |
East Coast Railway | Bhubaneswar | 2003 | Odisha, parts of AP |
Northern Railway | Delhi | 1952 | Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab, J&K, HP |
North Central Railway | Prayagraj | 2003 | UP and MP |
North Eastern Railway | Gorakhpur | 1952 | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura |
North Western Railway | Jaipur | 2002 | Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat |
Northeast Frontier Railway | Guwahati | 1958 | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim |
Southern Railway | Chennai | 1951 | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, AP |
South Central Railway | Secunderabad | 1966 | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
South Eastern Railway | Kolkata | 1955 | West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha |
South East Central Rly | Bilaspur | 1998 | Chhattisgarh, parts of MP |
South Western Railway | Hubballi | 2003 | Karnataka, parts of AP, Goa |
Western Railway | Mumbai Churchgate | 1951 | Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP |
West Central Railway | Jabalpur | 2003 | Madhya Pradesh, parts of UP |
South Coast Railway | Visakhapatnam | Yet to be notified | Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu |
Metro Railway Kolkata | Kolkata | 1984 | Urban rail in Kolkata |
IRFC is the financial arm of Indian Railways. It was established in 1986 as a wholly owned subsidiary of India. The Headquarters of IRFC is located in New Delhi. It functions under the Ministry of Railways
Objectives of IRFC :
The Kakodkar Committee has made many recommendations like establishing a statutory railway safety authority and investing Rs 1 lakh crore over five years including the following aspects: General safety matters, Empowerment at Working Level, Safety related works and Issues, Filling up of vacancies in critical safety categories and Manpower Planning issues, Plugging the shortage of critical Safety Spares, Removal of encroachment, Upgradation of Signalling, Telecommunication and Train Protection system, Upgradation of Rolling Stock, Track, Bridges, Elimination of Level Crossings, Human Resource Development with emphasis on Education and Training Institutes on Indian Railways, Eco-System and Safety Architectures on Indian Railways. These suggestions, if implemented, can enable transformation of the Indian Railways.
Bio Toilets Initiative
Digitization Initiatives
Technological Advancements
Strategic Focus of the Indian Railways:-
The Bibek Debroy Committee advocates a transformational agenda for the Indian Railways, proposing restructuring into a government-owned company for greater autonomy and regulatory supervision. It suggests gradual privatization, starting with outsourcing of non-core services, along with investment in infrastructure, tariff rationalization and cost-cutting measures. The Committee focused on human resource restructuring for increased productivity and skill development while advocating adoption of technology to improve safety and passenger services. These recommendations are aimed at modernizing Indian Railways into a financially sustainable, efficient and technologically advanced entity.
Indian Railways is one of the largest revenue generating entity of the Government contributing to country’s growth and development. It also has a rich heritage, with some stations dating back more than a century. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indian Railways is one of the largest revenue producers for the Government of India, contributing significantly to the country's GDP.
Indian Railways is poised for a period of significant transformation. By embracing technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on efficiency, the railways can solidify their position as a vital pillar of India's economic and social development.
This transformation will come at the back of substantial budgetary allocations for infrastructural developments of Rs 2.55 lakh crore for FY 2024-25, which is up by about 6% since last year in the Budget. These steps along with ensuring the electrification & efficiency of Indian Railways will help India to transform and develop.
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