The Golden Era of Indian Railways: From Lal Bahadur Shastri to Piyush Goyal
The history of Indian Railways is replete with notable figures who have shaped its growth and development. One such individual is Lal Bahadur Shastri, known for his moral integrity and commitment to the nation. However, the modern era of Indian Railways, marked by significant technological advancements and infrastructure improvements, is exemplified by Piyush Goyal.
The Legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri
During the early 1960s, Lal Bahadur Shastri served as the Minister of Railways. His tenure was characterized by his ethical principles and a deep sense of responsibility to the nation. Some of his notable achievements during this period included:
Essential reforms and improvements in railway operations Initiation of modernization efforts A dedication to the welfare of the Indian populaceThe Recent Golden Age: Piyush Goyal’s Vision
After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came into power in 2014, Piyush Goyal took charge as the Minister of Railways from 2017 to 2021. Under his leadership, Indian Railways witnessed unprecedented growth and development. Some of his key contributions include:
Zero Accident Policy
Goyal initiated the “Zero Accident” policy to significantly reduce the number of accidents and enhance the safety standards of Indian Railways.
High-Speed Rail Corridor
He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s first high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to under three hours. This project is a significant step towards modernizing Indian Railways and reducing travel times.
Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat
Goyal launched the “Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat” initiative, focusing on making railway stations cleaner and more hygienic. This initiative contributed to the overall improvement of the Indian railway network.
Electrification of Railways
One of Goyal’s significant achievements was the massive electrification drive, which reduced dependence on fossil fuels and promoted sustainable energy. Under his leadership, Indian Railways electrified over 40,000 kilometers of railway tracks, an achievement unparalleled in a single year.
Digital Initiatives
Goyal introduced several digital initiatives to improve the efficiency of Indian Railways, such as the introduction of self-propelled accident relief trains (SPART) and the “Vande Bharat Express” train, which is India’s first semi-high-speed train. This initiative enhanced travel experiences and reduced travel times for passengers.
Focus on Safety and Sustainability
Under Goyal’s vision, Indian Railways placed a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability. Key measures included the elimination of unmanned level crossings, the installation of Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) on high-density routes, and the introduction of SPART to improve response times during accidents.
Successor and Current Developments
After Piyush Goyal’s tenure, Ashwini Vaishnaw took over as the Minister of Railways on 7th July 2021. While Piyush Goyal is still loved and remembered for his immense contributions, Vaishnaw has continued many of his initiatives with enthusiasm and determination. Some of his notable works include:
Enhancing Train Speed
He launched “Mission Raftaar” to increase the average speed of trains by 25 km per hour over the next five years. This initiative is aimed at making train travel faster and more efficient.
Station Redesign and Redeployment
Vaishnaw emphasized the redesign and redeployment of railway stations, focusing on providing better amenities and services to passengers. Stations like the Habibganj railway station in Bhopal have been modernized and transformed into world-class stations.
Additional Facilities for Travelers
He launched safety initiatives like the “Meri Saheli” scheme for travelers, particularly women, and introduced the Railway Disaster Response Mechanism to ensure quick response during emergencies.
Dedicated Freight Corridors
Another focus under Vaishnaw’s leadership is the development of dedicated freight corridors to enhance the efficiency of freight transport in India. The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project aims to reduce transportation costs and increase the speed of freight movement.
Continuing Vande Bharat Express
Most importantly, Vaishnaw has continued the initiative of running 75 Vande Bharat Express trains, ensuring they stay on track until the end of 2023.
Conclusion
The modern era of Indian Railways has seen significant improvements and modernization under the leadership of key figures like Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and technological advancements, Indian Railways is well-positioned for a promising future.
References and Further Reading
For more information on the history and development of Indian Railways, you can refer to the following sources:
Official Indian Railways website Arijit’s blog on Indian Railways Various news articles on Indian Railways