The privatisation of Indian Railways debate has again come to the forefront of Parliament and public debate, after recent legislative developments and continuing government proposals. Though the government continues to assert that there are no immediate plans for privatisation in the classical sense, the discussion about the necessity for private sector involvement is being prompted by calls for greater efficiency, modernization, and financial viability.
Background: Why Privatisation Is Being Considered
Indian Railways, which is the world's largest rail system, plays an essential role in India's economy and day-to-day life, ferrying more than 24 million passengers per day and having more than 1.6 million employees on its payroll. Despite this, the system operates under persistent woes:
-
Financial Pressure: Indian Railways' operating ratio is severely high, at more than ₹98 being spent per ₹100 of revenue it receives, leaving nothing much to be invested into new modernizations or expansion.
-
Capacity Constraints: Demand for train travel greatly outstrips supply, with millions of people unable to get reservations every year, particularly during peak season.
-
Quality and Safety Concerns: Demands for improved cleanliness, punctuality, and safety have become louder, with critics saying that the existing public system is not able to keep up with increasing expectations and technological innovation.
-
Non-Core Functions: A large part of railway costs is invested in non-core functions like operating hospitals and schools for workers, which specialists maintain must be unbundled or outsourced to maximize efficiency.
Government's Approach: Public-Private Partnerships, Not Full Privatisation
The government has consistently stated that it is not seeking complete privatisation of Indian Railways. Rather, it is inviting private investment in the form of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and partial private operations, like the launch of privately run trains like the Tejas Express. Recent amendments to laws, such as the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, have been framed as measures to make the system more efficient and bring in better governance, rather than moves towards privatisation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added, "There is no question of privatising the railways. The focus is on affordable service, safety, and technological transformation". The government refers to the likes of the Vande Bharat trains and the latest safety systems as proof that modernization is still going on without privatisation.
Opposition and Union Concerns
In spite of these guarantees, opposition parties and trade unions are still wary, cautioning that privatisation-even in limited form-might result in increased fares, loss of jobs, and lower access for the common man. Parliament debates and street protests have raised concerns that private operators, with profit as their driving force, would not focus on affordability or the welfare of workers.
Lessons from Past Attempts and Global Comparisons
Past efforts to recruit private operators have failed, with scant interest expressed by companies owing to the risk-prone, low-return nature of the bids. Experts are on record stating that effective privatisation or PPPs need strict separation of core and non-core functions, clear accounting, and an emphasis on cost management-measures adopted by nations such as China to update their rail systems.
The Road Ahead
Although the necessity for reform is accepted across the board, the way ahead is still controversial. According to proponents, private participation has the potential to introduce much-needed investment, technology, and management skills to enhance services and increase capacity. Opponents warn, however, that the social role of Indian Railways as an affordable, accessible means of transport should not be sacrificed.
As the government re-evaluates its policies and remains under scrutiny, Indian Railways' future will most likely hinge on achieving a balance between efficiency, affordability, and public accountability.
Relevant Sources: Finshots, Asia Times, India Today, BYJU'S, Indian Express, Business Standard, Economic Times
