Supriya Sule, Kanimozhi praise Railways for improved cleanliness at train stations

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and DMK MP Kanimozhi praised the Indian Railways for improved cleanliness and maintenance at train stations across the nation. In response, the Railways Ministry said the “kind words” of the two Opposition leaders “inspired us to strive for excellence”.

During a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Sule on Wednesday said, “The Railways Ministry is doing good work in Maharashtra. I would like to compliment the Ministry’s team for improving the cleanliness at a lot of stations in the state.”

But she also raised the issue of reducing stoppages at Daund, Nira, Jejuri train stations in her Baramati constituency.

“Earlier, 80 trains stopped at Daund, but now only 40 stop. The Railways Ministry says that reducing stoppages is to increase efficiency. But due to this, the area is not benefitting economically. I urge the Ministry to look for an alternative solution to increase efficiency,” she added.

Also addressing the discussion, Kanimozhi complimented Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and added that not only stations, but trains have also become cleaner.”

In response, the Railways Ministry thanked the two MPs, saying their “kind words have inspired us to strive for excellence”.

LOK SABHA PASSES RAILWAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by a voice vote. The Bill which seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the previous Parliament session.

As part of a plan to improve railway operations, it also includes provisions to appoint an independent regulator that will oversee matters like fare determination and ensure the competitiveness of the Railways.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed the need to significantly enhance the capacity of the country’s railway system.

“Ours is a country of 1.40 crore people which is a rapidly growing economy. There is a need to significantly enhance railway’s capacity. There has been a lack of investment in railways for over 50-60 years. When PM Modi took over in 2014, the railways budget which used to be around Rs 25,000-30,000 crore, was increased to Rs 2.52 lakh crore,” he said.

“Railway tracks up to 31,000 km have been added since then, including 5,300 km within the last year, which is more than Switzerland’s entire railway coverage.”

(With PTI inputs)