What are the problem faced by Indian railways and what are the solution?

Answer 1

Problems faced by railways in India

1.Old Track and Poor State of Rolling Stock.

The major problem faced by Indian railways is that the tracks are old and outdated. These old tracks cause many serious railway accidents. This has also resulted in speed restrictions

2. Travel without Tickets:

Another problem that is being faced in India is that a large number of passengers travel without purchasing tickets. Indian railways have to bear extra loss of about Rs. 5 crore every year on account of traveling without tickets.

3. Railway Accidents:

The incidence of railway accidents in our country is greater as compared to other countries of the world For instance, there was heavy loss of railways in the movements of West Bengal, Telengana and Assam etc.

5. Lack of Modern Management:

There is a lack of modern management as railway failed to attract adequate incentives and suitable talent

6. Outmoded Technology:

The rolling stock technology is absolutely outmoded. The system is beset with excessive man-power and manpower development has not kept pace with technology up gradation. This has made railways incapable of coping with increasing transport demand and of raising and improving the traffic volume and flows at lower unit cost of operation.

7. Problem of Replacement:

The problem of replacement of old and obsolete railways engines, wagons and other equipment has created a serious problem in India.

8. Problem of Laying Double Lines:

Most of the railway lines are single lines which create great inconvenience to the railway organization and passengers.

9. Inadequate Investment:

The railway transport has lagged behind the requirement due to inadequate investm

re single lines which create great inconvenience to the railway organization and passengers

10. Competition with Road Transport:

The competition with road transport is growing in intensity, both in passenger and in goods transport. The lack of coordination between railways and road transport has lowered the earning capacity of the railways. This has further caused delay in traffic movement and inconvenience to passengers

Answer 2

-Outdated technology/infrastructure - The tracks and bridges are old and in need of repair. This leads to slow speed restrictions and a major source of accidents and delays. Even the rolling stock is outdated compared to other nations like China and Japan. The maintenance of rolling stock and infrastructure is still manually done.

-Negligence in safety inspections - Lapses in safety inspections, incompetent employees and poor construction methods have led to numerous accidents. The safety precautions for workers is minimal. On top of that, there are very few at grade crossings that are protected by signals; this leads to numerous deaths when cars or people are trying to cross the tracks.

-Lack of automated signaling systems - There are very few interlocking systems, and the signaling system is still manually done. The speed of installing an automated signaling system is slow, and the current system increases the distance between trains and reduces their speeds.

-Rude/incompetent employees - Travelers often encounter rude and corrupt employees when booking tickets or asking info on changes in train schedules. Since the railways is wholly owned by the government, there is always a high risk for corruption.

-Overcrowding - People often sit on the roofs or stand on the sides of cars, increasing the risk for injuries and deaths. Those sitting on the roof may get clipped by low clearance tunnels; those on the sides may get clipped by pillars, tunnel walls, trees, etc.

-Lack of basic hygiene standards - The cars lack proper waste disposal systems, and the platforms are unsanitary. Open defecation is also common, especially near railway tracks. Passengers often lack the basic courtesies of their fellow travelers by spitting, urinating, etc. and the food service is also abysmal. Since the cars are often overcrowded, there is an increased risk for diseases to spread.

-Sabotage by miscreants/strike action by political interests - The railway equipment often faces sabotage by miscreants, hooligans and terrorists. They often do this by sabotaging rail tracks and damaging railway equipment. Politicians also stage protests near railway tracks and blocking trains to force the government to meet their demands.

-Scarcity of funds - There is always a scarcity of funds due to a lack of profits, which doesn't allow capital expenditure for new equipment. New projects are often announced without additional funding and don't get completed on time, leading to cost and time overruns. Fare hikes are often opposed by political interests; they claim that it would hinder India's poor.

India would need $200-300 billion to upgrade the railway system to 21st century standards.