Lok Sabha passes Railways Amendment Bill, Ashwini Vaishnaw slams privatization fears, assures public railways stay intact!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill on December 11, 2024, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw offering assurances that the legislation would not lead to the privatization of Indian Railways. During the debate, Vaishnaw responded to concerns raised by opposition members, who feared the Bill could open the door to privatization. He dismissed these concerns as a "fake narrative," aiming to clarify that the government's intentions were to strengthen, not privatize, the national carrier.

The main objective of the Railways (Amendment) Bill is to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board by granting it statutory powers and allowing the central government to determine its composition. While the Bill was initially introduced in an earlier session of Parliament, it faced delays due to interruptions in House proceedings. Vaishnaw emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining Indian Railways as a public entity, dismissing privatization rumors. He further stressed that the legislative move is part of broader efforts to modernize and improve the operational efficiency of Indian Railways.

After a voice vote, the Bill was passed, following a debate that had been postponed due to earlier disruptions. This legislative change is viewed as a step towards modernizing the railways while addressing long-term concerns about its future direction.