During the second phase of the Budget Parliament Session, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal raised critical concerns regarding the state of Indian Railways, urging urgent improvements in services and infrastructure to keep pace with the country’s growing demands.
As Dr. Mittal emphasized in his address to the Rajya Sabha, stating, "Indian Railways is more than just a connection between cities; it links India’s history with the present and takes us into the future. Indian Railways has stood with us in times of crisis, whether ensuring the transportation of food during shortages or serving as quarantine centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been our steadfast companion in difficult times." However, Dr. Mittal pointed out that the once-reliable system is now facing numerous challenges. "Sadly, we are witnessing Indian Railways getting off track, and this is painful to witness," he said.
"The speed of our trains reflects the speed of the nation’s progress. If our railways continue to lag, it will hinder the growth of our entire nation."Dr. Mittal shared the frustrations passengers face when booking tickets through the IRCTC portal, sharing that people find the IIT exam easy if they try to book tickets through IRCTC.
Even the chance of passing the IAS exam is higher than the chance of getting a waiting ticket confirmed. Participating in the discussion on the functioning of the Railway Ministry in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Mittal shared the experience of a NASA scientist booking a ticket through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) portal.
Dr. Mittal said the scientist responded that if he wanted to launch a rocket, he only needed to give one command, but if he wanted to book an Indian Railways ticket, he needed four captchas, two OTPs, and the patience to have a PhD. Dr. Mittal criticized IRCTC’s fragile server, noting that it crashes more often than the Sensex.
Dr. Mittal further raised the issue of rising railway fares and the inadequate improvement in passenger facilities, urging a comprehensive review of the pricing structure and better services for travelers. Addressing the financial condition of Indian Railways, Dr. Mittal questioned why the railway system has not evolved at the same pace as India’s growing economy, which is expected to reach $3 trillion.
After India's independence, 13,000 km of railway tracks were developed. However, when the British left India, they had constructed 55,000 km of tracks. In the 75 years since independence, only about 20-25% more tracks have been added.
Dr. Mittal called for increased investment to meet the growing demand for efficient transportation, with a focus on expanding railway tracks and infrastructure. Dr. Mittal also raised concerns about the accessibility of railway stations, particularly for people with disabilities, citing that only 8% of railway stations are fully accessible, a figure he deemed unacceptable, urging the government to prioritize making stations accessible for all.
Dr. Mittal expressed alarm over the rising number of railway accidents and fatalities, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures such as better track maintenance, improved signaling systems, and more effective training for railway staff. Dr. Mittal urged the government to take swift and responsible action to address these pressing issues, ensuring that the Indian Railways system modernizes to meet the demands of a growing nation.