In the ruckus over the fare hike ranging from 2 paisa to 30 paisa per km proposed by the Railway Minister, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, some of the good and sensible measures have been lost in the din.

To be sure, all these are mere proposals which may remain pious hopes till they are actually implemented.

With this rider, let us see what major paradigm changes have been proposed. An average speed of 160 km per hour is what the doctor had ordered long ago to wean away wannabe air travellers as well as to make life more agreeable for them.

Given that trains in China run at a speed of 345 kmph in difficult terrains, 160 kmph is modest and eminently achievable.

Strengthening tracks

There are credible reports that Hyderabad-Chennai is being made a pilot project which, if materialises, would mean a travel of less than five hours from the present lumbering 13 to 14 hours. And Delhi-Chennai would be covered in shade under 15 hours. Tracks need to be strengthened before the drivers step up on the gas pedal!

Increase in platform ticket from Rs 3 to Rs 5 was long overdue and those going to stations to see off, or receive, their near and dear ones would not grudge this small additional burden.

A special coach for the differently enabled is once again what the doctor has ordered and shows the sensitivity of the Rail Minister to the plight of the old and the disabled, unlike the SpiceJet pilot who ordered a disabled traveller off his plane.

One believes there would be more horizontal space created for them with vertical berths being beyond their reach and comfort. Toilets too one hopes would be friendly for their use.

Not a difficult task

Acceptance of sms from railways confirming reservation already in vogue would definitely save precious paper and, by extension, our forests.

Level-crossings account for bulk of accidents due to non-travellers' neglect, and the promise of closing all such crossings in five years' time is indeed heartening. This should not be a difficult task, given all that needs to be done is to construct flyovers.

All these are eminently achievable though no one talked about them with the kind of earnestness that the incumbent Minister has done.

What perhaps would be taken with a handful of salt is his proposal to make our rail stations look like airports.

Well, that would be a tall order unless, of course, what he has in mind is select stations, particularly in the metropolis.

(The author is a New-Delhi based chartered accountant.)

Related Topics