Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
6. Critically examine as to how the planned privatisation of some services of the Indian Railways could impact maintenance, operations and welfare. (250 words).
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The Indian Railways is the lifeline of India. With its vast network across the length and breadth of India, it is not just a mere transporter of passengers and goods but also a social welfare organisation. While the addition of more trains with high technology coaches to meet passenger expectations is a welcome feature, it is the way of privatising these trains that is the problem. The question seeks to examine the aspects of privatizing the Indian Railways services.
Demand of the question:
One must discuss in detail the opportunities and obstacles that the idea of privatizing Railways pose.
Directive word:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Start by explaining in what way the decision is both ideal and inclusive but a challenge on the other hand.
The Railway Board says the “objective of the initiative was to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world class travel experience to passengers, and also reduce demand supply deficit in the passenger transportation sector”. But this is a step which will lead to dual control and split responsibility, resulting in higher fares, depriving the common man of travel by these trains, and repercussions in terms of maintenance and operations.
Body
Discuss the act of introducing private players in the Indian Railways.
Explain in what way such a move can be a game changer, discuss the possible prospects in detail. Bring out the associated challenges; suggest in what way such challenges and concerns can be tackled.
Define the efforts of the government in this direction in the past. Talk about the policy measures that are already in place in this direction.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
