NOT QUITE BULLET SPEED YET

Indian Railways grapples with the dual challenge of modernising and remaining affordable while addressing issues such as overcrowding, safety and financial pressures

- AVISHEK G. DASTIDAR

One of the largest ministries of the government, Indian Railways has the dual responsibility of bringing in a much-needed technology and capacity upgrade while remaining an affordable mode of travel for the common Indian that it has always been. The first relates to India's perennial challenges: overcrowded trains, timely availability of confirmed tickets, concerns of safety. The second is a facor of the overall vision of governmental responsibility towards the people. Beyond these, the Indian rail network has to increase its share of freight moved across the country, being faster, more economical and "greener" than road transport. Railways is also under duress owing to a burgeoning pension bill of over Rs 50,000 crore per year, keeping its financial health perpetually in red.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE