Railways (Amendment) Bill Passed Amid Opposition’s ‘Sarkarikaran’ Concerns
On March 10, 2025, the Rajya Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, amid significant opposition criticism. The bill aims to repeal the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905 and integrate its provisions into the Railways Act of 1989, thereby streamlining the legislative framework governing Indian Railways.
Opposition members expressed concerns that this legislative change would lead to increased government control over the Railway Board, a move they termed as “sarkarikaran” or bureaucratization. Congress MP Vivek Tankha argued that the bill would erode the functional autonomy of the Railway Board, transforming it into a body driven by ministerial directives rather than operating independently.
During the debate, issues such as railway safety, accountability, and staffing were also raised. Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev highlighted that between 2014 and 2023, there were 678 rail accidents resulting in 781 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries, underscoring the need for greater accountability within the ministry. Additionally, concerns were voiced about the over-centralization of decision-making within Indian Railways, with Aam Aadmi Party MP Sandeep Pathak advocating for decentralization to empower general managers and divisional railway managers.
In response, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended the bill, stating that it seeks to simplify existing legislation without diminishing the powers of state governments or Parliament. He emphasized that the bill would reduce redundancy by consolidating provisions from two separate acts into one, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency.
The bill’s passage reflects ongoing debates about balancing governmental oversight with the autonomy of public institutions, particularly in sectors as vital as transportation. As the bill moves forward, its impact on the operational dynamics of Indian Railways and its governance structure will be closely monitored.
