The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 during the Winter Session despite disruptions, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressing concerns over potential privatisation. The bill aims to subsume the Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the legal framework while empowering the Railway Board with statutory powers. Opposition leaders raised concerns over privatisation, centralisation of authority, and representation of marginalised communities, which the minister dismissed as unfounded.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Statutory Powers to Railway Board: Grants the central government authority to determine the board’s composition, qualifications, and terms of service, ensuring operational flexibility.
Simplified Legal Framework: Merges provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989, eliminating the need for dual references.
Enhanced Connectivity: Facilitates superfast train operations and expansions, including rerouting through Thawe Junction in Bihar, to benefit local communities and pilgrims.
Ministerial Clarifications and Achievements
Privatisation Concerns Dismissed: Vaishnaw assured that railway assets remain government-owned, describing privatisation fears as a “fake narrative.”
Decentralisation Emphasised: Highlighted 100% delegation of tendering powers to zone general managers, accelerating project approvals and decentralisation.
Improved Passenger Services: Cited plans for 13,000 additional trains and ongoing production of 10,000 general coaches to cater to low-income passengers.
Historical Context and Need for Amendments
Legislative Evolution: The Indian Railways Act, 1890, governed railway operations until replaced by the Railways Act, 1989, which lacked statutory provisions for the Railway Board.
Simplification Goal: By incorporating the Railway Board Act of 1905, the amendment aligns historical provisions into a single, comprehensive framework for efficiency.
Summary of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha passes Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 amid disruptions | – The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 grants statutory powers to the Railway Board. |
| – It merges provisions of the Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989 to simplify the legal framework. | |
| – The bill empowers the central government to determine the composition of the Railway Board. | |
| – Introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 9 August 2024. | |
| – Central government to approve composition of Railway Board, including members’ qualifications, terms, and service. | |
| – Aimed at simplifying and enhancing the railway governance system. | |
| Key Statutory Powers & Provisions | – Provides the central government the authority to approve superfast train operations through Thawe Junction. |
| – Facilitates expansion of superfast trains in Bihar, including Arunachal Express rerouting via Thawe. | |
| – The bill will help decentralise decision-making and improve project approvals. | |
| Recent Developments in Railways | – Plans for 13,000 new trains and 10,000 general coaches to cater to low-income passengers. |
| – Amrit Bharat Trains to be introduced with Vande Bharat design features. | |
| Important Dates | – The bill was introduced on 9 August 2024 and passed in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session. |
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