‘Standing Committee on Railways’ Releases Report Focusing On Railway Modernization And Financial Sustainability | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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‘Standing Committee on Railways’ Releases Report Focusing On Railway Modernization And Financial Sustainability

Posted 21 Dec 2024

2 min read

Key issues highlighted 

  • Financial: Most of the earnings of Indian Railways comes from its freight services.
    • In 2023-24, Indian Railways earned revenue of Rs 1,68,293 from freight and Rs 70,693.33 from passenger services 
  • Operational:  Average freight train speed remains stagnant at 25 km/hr over past 11 years. 
  • Safety:  Slow Implementation of KAVACH system with only 1,465 route km in South Central Railway and 80 route km in North Central Railway.
    • Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of train within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather. 
  • R&D Budget:  Only Rs 72.01 crore (including PPP projects) was allocated for Railway Research in 2024-25.

Key Recommendations

  • Revenue Enhancement: Review AC class fares by aligning it with costs incurred while keeping general class affordable.
    • Boost non-fare revenue to 20% by 2030 through advertising and commercial development
  • Infrastructure Development: Streamline land acquisition process, improve state government coordination, complete Dedicated Freight Corridors, etc. 
  • Safety and Modernization: Eliminate unmanned crossings, accelerate track renewal, expedite Kavach system deployment, etc.
  • Tags :
  • KAVACH
  • Railway Modernization
  • Standing Committee on Railways
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