Trade unions oppose FDI in railways

Leaders of various railway labour unions will meet in New Delhi on December 11 to chalk out plans of their agitation against Centre’s decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Railways.

Briefing reporters, All-India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) General Secretary Shivagopal Mishra said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand on allowing FDI in the Railways was an embarrassing one and dangerous decision with regard to economy and safety.

Not only the trade unions, but all those who care about Indian Railways should oppose FDI in the Railways.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had assured to discuss the issue of FDI with the trade unions, and simultaneously, attempts are being made to allow FDI.

The AIRF opposes government’s double standard. If needed, railway service across the country would be stopped for one day, to warn the government, Mishra said. The possibility of the Centre’s attempts to divide the trade unions cannot be ruled out, he added.

AIRF President Rakhaldas Gupta opined that Modi had insulted the Indian Railways in his address in Australia. AIRF treasurer J R Bhosle said FDI in Railways would make railway journey expensive, and ‘Rail Bachao, Desh Bachao’ movement would be launched to oppose it.