Railways Bill Discussion: MPs Concerns

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to amend the Railways Act of 1989 to enhance the powers of the Railway Board and improve operational efficiencies.

• Congress MP Manoj Kumar expressed concerns about the Bill’s potential to open up Railways to privatisation and high ticket prices for Vande Bharat trains.

• Chandrashekhar Azad, a member of the Aazad Samaj Party, argued that the Bill could lead to slower decision-making and lower operational flexibility.

• Azad emphasized the need for appointments to the Railway Board to be based on merit, skill, and established expertise, not political considerations.

• He also called for work hours regulation to ensure safety in operations and prevent overwork among loco pilots.

• Azad also expressed concerns about the privatisation of the national transporter, arguing that it would negate employment avenues for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.

• Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Sudama Prasad called for the government to prioritize filling vacancies to prevent overburdened railway employees.

• Arra MP expressed concerns about the provision of decent space for railway employees, including loco pilots, ticket collectors, and ticket examiners.