Monday, February 20, 2006
The Health of Indian Railways
Today I was returning from Bangalore after attending one of my friend's marriage yesterday. Fortunately, I got an current reservation in an Chair Car (AC) in Chennai Express No. 6524 but to my dismay it was just Three-Tier AC that too instead of three we accomodated four creating space crunch and lots of inconvenience. The mood was failed to change till the end. To the best our surprises the TTE (Traveling Ticket Examiner) was very outrageous in his comments and the way he is treating the passengers.
During the reservation no one was aware that we would be accommodated in an AC 3-Tier in place of Chair Car. How these irresponsible TTE expects the poor junta to cancel their tickets? Worse for the matter they are given 3-Tier for sleeping!
thee whole unpleasant incident sparked an discussion among the commuters why not we go for privatization of railways for better amenities and treatment. My argument was that given the largest railway network in the world it is not possible to privatise railways at one go instead one can start with maintenance of railway stations and coaches. The recent decision of Railway Ministry to go for privatising or allowing private players in container business was in good direction. It will definitely cater the needs of growing demand for infrastructure development. One can appreciate Mr. Lallu Prasad Yadav and his deputy Mr. Velu for their vision and after long years railways running in good profit, Health always matters!
I was fortunate to see the stations neat and clean only when VIP's like ministers visiting railway stations to inaugurate Computer reservation centres other times its just like garbage stations. (Courtesy fellow Indians used to spit elsewhere!) I hope I am not heavily taxed!
Privatisation is also not possible in this government agency simply for single reason that we can not done away with reservation. If reservation is extended to private enterprises then one can foresee privatisation of railways otherwise it is not possible.
And the train was arrived at chennai 30 minutes late as usual!
