Is Piyush Goyal the Best Railway Minister in the History of Indian Railways?
The tenure of Piyush Goyal as India's Minister of Railways from 2017 to 2019 was marked by significant initiatives aimed at modernizing the infrastructure, improving safety, and enhancing the financial health of the railways. Several aspects of his tenure stand out, including infrastructure development, electrification, passenger amenities, and initiatives focused on financial performance and safety.
Key Initiatives and Contributions
Infrastructure Development
Piyush Goyal's tenure saw a strong emphasis on the modernization of railway infrastructure. He introduced new technologies and safety measures to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the system. One of the notable projects was the electrification of railway lines, with the aim of achieving a 100% electrification of broad gauge routes. This initiative helped reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve overall efficiency.
Electrification and Environmental Initiatives
The push for electrification was part of a broader environmental initiative. Goyal was committed to reducing the railways' carbon footprint, and the electrification of routes aimed to achieve this goal. Additionally, the railways began renewing rails more frequently, replacing over 5,000 kilometers of old rails in 2019. This improvement not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of train operations but also helped to reduce maintenance costs.
Passenger Amenities and Safety Improvements
Under Goyal's leadership, efforts were made to improve passenger facilities and amenities. Modern trains like the Vande Bharat Express were introduced to enhance the travel experience for passengers. These trains, designed with modern features, were seen as a significant step towards improving the overall quality of travel on the Indian Railways.
Priority was also given to safety, with several initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities. The Rashtriya Rail Sanrakshna Kosh (RRSK) fund, a Rs 1 lakh crore fund, played a crucial role in these efforts. The fund has been instrumental in constructing foot overbridges and high platforms, thus separating foot and road traffic from the rail lines. This has significantly reduced the number of accidents caused by level crossings and mid-route stops.
Financial Performance and Capital Expenditure
Goyal focused on improving the financial health of Indian Railways, aiming to reduce losses and increase revenue through various measures. His tenure saw a significant increase in capital expenditure, which was a two-fold increase from 2009-2014. The railway sector received a Rs 5.1 lakh crore allocation for capital expenditure in 2014-2019, with the year 2019-20 witnessing a single-year capex of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore. This substantial investment has played a critical role in revitalizing key projects, such as the construction of a modern coach factory in Rae Bareli.
Private Sector Involvement and Future Prospects
One of the most notable aspects of Goyal's tenure was the push for involving private players in the railways. The separation of content from carriage, known as unbundling, was seen as a way to encourage participation without revisiting the contentious issue of privatization. The Tejas Express between Lucknow and Delhi and another route in Ahmedabad to Mumbai were among the first examples of this initiative. While these trains are currently operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the ambition is to launch 150 private trains across India.
Conclusion: Evaluating Goyal's Impact
While many praised Goyal's contributions to the modernization of the Indian Railways, opinions on his tenure as the best railway minister are highly subjective. His initiatives, such as the electrification of routes, improved safety measures, and increased capital expenditure, have had a positive impact on the railways. However, some critics argue that these changes were insufficient compared to other transformative periods under previous ministers. Ultimately, the assessment of whether Goyal is the best railway minister is a matter of personal opinion, influenced by specific metrics that individual stakeholders consider important.
Overall, Goyal's tenure saw significant strides in modernizing and improving the Indian Railways, paving the way for future enhancements and advancements in the sector.