The induction of a ministry for only the railways should bring some positive results. There is much talk on the subject, along with advises in the audio-visual media; and the press and the dailies have not remained behind. This is another addition to the list; but hopefully it is rational and somewhat factual; though with a teahnical bias. How ever the ideas are pragmatic, and needs to be addressed with urgency.
Priority-wise, two items top the list. First and foremost , the passenger and goods tariff needs to be rationalised in line with present day price levels. Hand in hand, secretarial and traffic manpower needs to be improved . Next, or for that matter the first priority should be the proper repair and overhaul of the locomotives ( diesel & diesel-electric) to ensure their reliable operation. These two issues should be the concentrated upon by the minister and once these are resolved attention needs to be given on improving the existing inter-city railway links; more so because of the situation of city traffic.
Given the bottlenecks and the frequency of tragic road accidents; there is every scope for rail transport to attract passenger. There is the potential of also cutting down passenger travel time compared to time normally taken by inter-city buses. With improvement in punctuality and improving general cleanliness of the passenger coaches; there is no doubt that railways will regain its lost popularity and position for transporting people. With these two main objectives; I am sure that it will not be long before railways generate surplus for the government . This is quite feasible, and if needed once the advantages are realised; more capital should be provided for the railway; as it becomes the main artery for becomes the main artery for passenger and goods traffic.
Priority-wise, two items top the list. First and foremost , the passenger and goods tariff needs to be rationalised in line with present day price levels. Hand in hand, secretarial and traffic manpower needs to be improved . Next, or for that matter the first priority should be the proper repair and overhaul of the locomotives ( diesel & diesel-electric) to ensure their reliable operation. These two issues should be the concentrated upon by the minister and once these are resolved attention needs to be given on improving the existing inter-city railway links; more so because of the situation of city traffic.
Given the bottlenecks and the frequency of tragic road accidents; there is every scope for rail transport to attract passenger. There is the potential of also cutting down passenger travel time compared to time normally taken by inter-city buses. With improvement in punctuality and improving general cleanliness of the passenger coaches; there is no doubt that railways will regain its lost popularity and position for transporting people. With these two main objectives; I am sure that it will not be long before railways generate surplus for the government . This is quite feasible, and if needed once the advantages are realised; more capital should be provided for the railway; as it becomes the main artery for becomes the main artery for passenger and goods traffic.
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