+
Lok Sabha Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Lok Sabha Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 on December 11, seeking to enhance the functioning and autonomy of the Railway Board. The Bill was approved by voice vote after extensive debate, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assuring that the amendments will not lead to the privatisation of Indian Railways. Responding to opposition concerns, Vaishnaw dismissed allegations of privatisation, calling them a "fake narrative." He emphasised that the amendments are focused on improving operational efficiency and modernising the railways. “Our goal is to strengthen Indian Railways, not privatise it,” he said, urging the opposition to avoid misleading the public and work collaboratively towards sectoral reforms. Key features The Railways (Amendment) Bill aims to modernise governance and improve service delivery within Indian Railways. Key provisions include: • Enhanced independence: Granting greater autonomy to the Railway Board for efficient decision-making. • Operational efficiency: Streamlining processes to enhance functionality and responsiveness. • Global alignment: Updating administrative frameworks to meet international standards. Opposition members expressed fears that increased private-sector involvement could jeopardise affordability and accessibility for common citizens. Frequent disruptions delayed the debate, with opposition leaders arguing that the amendments might erode the public character of Indian Railways. However, the government firmly denied these claims. Vaishnaw reiterated that the railways would remain under public ownership and described the amendments as a step toward modernisation rather than privatisation. The passage of the bill signals the government’s commitment to revitalising Indian Railways through reforms that align with global best practices. As the amendments move toward implementation, attention will turn to their impact on operational efficiency, service quality, and public welfare, with stakeholders closely monitoring the outcomes. (Financial Express)

The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 on December 11, seeking to enhance the functioning and autonomy of the Railway Board. The Bill was approved by voice vote after extensive debate, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assuring that the amendments will not lead to the privatisation of Indian Railways. Responding to opposition concerns, Vaishnaw dismissed allegations of privatisation, calling them a fake narrative. He emphasised that the amendments are focused on improving operational efficiency and modernising the railways. “Our goal is to strengthen Indian Railways, not privatise it,” he said, urging the opposition to avoid misleading the public and work collaboratively towards sectoral reforms. Key features The Railways (Amendment) Bill aims to modernise governance and improve service delivery within Indian Railways. Key provisions include: • Enhanced independence: Granting greater autonomy to the Railway Board for efficient decision-making. • Operational efficiency: Streamlining processes to enhance functionality and responsiveness. • Global alignment: Updating administrative frameworks to meet international standards. Opposition members expressed fears that increased private-sector involvement could jeopardise affordability and accessibility for common citizens. Frequent disruptions delayed the debate, with opposition leaders arguing that the amendments might erode the public character of Indian Railways. However, the government firmly denied these claims. Vaishnaw reiterated that the railways would remain under public ownership and described the amendments as a step toward modernisation rather than privatisation. The passage of the bill signals the government’s commitment to revitalising Indian Railways through reforms that align with global best practices. As the amendments move toward implementation, attention will turn to their impact on operational efficiency, service quality, and public welfare, with stakeholders closely monitoring the outcomes. (Financial Express)

Next Story
Real Estate

Shriram Properties Launches ‘Codename: The One’ in Bengaluru

Shriram Properties (SPL), a leading real estate developer focused on the mid-market and mid-premium segments, has announced the launch of its latest residential project under the banner “Codename: The One” in Bengaluru’s Electronic City corridor. This feature-rich gated community will offer 340 spacious 2- and 3-BHK residences, with a total saleable area of approximately 5 lakh square feet and an estimated revenue potential of over Rs 3.5 billion. The project is expected to be developed over a span of more than three years.  Strategically located near the Bommasandra Metro stat..

Next Story
Resources

India Warehousing Show 2025 Closes with Strong Global Presence

The 14th edition of the India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2025 concluded successfully at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, drawing participation from over 300 exhibitors across 15 countries and welcoming 15,000+ visitors. Recognised as India’s leading platform for warehousing and logistics excellence, IWS 2025 offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge automation, sustainable warehousing solutions, and next-gen supply chain technologies. The show was inaugurated by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary – Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In his opening a..

Next Story
Equipment

MHIET Launches 450kW Gas Cogeneration System with H₂ Co-Firing

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET), part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has launched a new 450kW gas cogeneration system, the SGP M450, jointly developed with Toho Gas Co.,. The system supports hydrogen co-firing at up to 15 vol per cent, with no loss in performance or reliability.  The system is currently available in the Japanese market, and has been developed from the existing GS6R2 city gas engine platform. Key modifications were made to the fuel gas and engine control systems to enable hydrogen co-firing.   Verified through de..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?