Parliament has passed a bill aimed at streamlining and modernizing railway operations in India, focusing on infrastructure development, safety, and technology. The legislation, approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is designed to simplify existing laws while decentralizing decision-making within the railway network. Under the new provisions, general managers in railway zones will have full authority to approve projects up to Rs 10 billion, reinforcing cooperative federalism and enhancing efficiency. The bill underscores the government’s commitment to railway infrastructure development, with increased budget allocations across various states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal. Over the past 11 years, 34,000 kilometers of new railway tracks have been laid, surpassing the total railway network of Germany. Additionally, 45,000 kilometers of railway lines have been electrified, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, while 50,000 kilometers of aging tracks have been replaced with high-quality rails. Investment in railway safety has significantly increased, rising from Rs 80 billion under previous administrations to Rs 1.14 trillion. The number of rail fractures has decreased by 91 per cent, and the implementation of the Kavach safety system has enhanced operational security. Employment in the railway sector has also expanded, with over 5,02,000 jobs provided in recent years, and large-scale recruitment exams conducted transparently. Modernization efforts include the installation of 3,10,000 upgraded toilets in railway coaches and the air-conditioning of 558 running rooms for loco pilots. New locomotives incorporate advanced technology and improved working conditions. To improve passenger safety and crowd management, full access control will be implemented at 60 major railway stations, while special trains will be deployed to manage unexpected surges in passenger numbers. The bill, known as the Railways Amendment Act 2025, aims to replace outdated colonial-era provisions. It consolidates regulations by reducing references to multiple Acts, ensuring a streamlined legal framework while maintaining the current structure and functioning of the Railway Board, Zones, Divisions, and Production Units. News source: Business Standard