Vaishnaw rubbishes privatisation concerns as Lok Sabha passes Railways Amendment Bill

Responding to a debate on the Railway Amendment bill, Railway Minister Ashiwni Vaishnaw said in the Lower House that a fake narrative was set afloat that the amendment would privatise railways.

New Delhi: Dismissing the apprehension of privatisation of railways, Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said a fake narrative was set afloat that the amendment would privatise railways as the Lok Sabha passed a Bill to amend Railway laws.

He informed the Lok Sabha that additional 12,000 general coaches would be added to trains.

“To meet the growing demand for general coaches, a special manufacturing programme has been launched, aiming to produce 12,000 general coaches. Out of this, 900 have already been added this financial year, with a target of manufacturing 10,000 more, ensuring convenience for unreserved category passengers," the minister said.

The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed by a voice vote after debate which could not be held earlier due to frequent disruptions of House proceedings during last week.

The Bill which seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the previous Parliament Session.

Talking about the Bill, the minister said all unmanned authorised level crossings are today 100 per cent manned or eliminated by constructing a flyover or underpass. "12,000 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed in these 10 years."

Recruitment for 58,642 positions is currently underway in the railways, with over 11 lakh candidates recently participating in the loco pilot selection process, he said, adding that Railways is committed to providing maximum employment opportunities transparently.

Vaishnaw said extensive preparations are underway for the upcoming Mahakumbh. A total of 13,000 trains have been planned to cater to the anticipated surge in passengers, reflecting a focused effort to serve middle-class and economically weaker families, he said.

The minister highlighted the operational efficiency of the Railways during the Chhath and Diwali festivals. During these festival periods, approximately 7,900 special trains transported over 1.80 crore passengers without major inconveniences, showcasing the commitment to passenger convenience during peak travel seasons, he said.