Indian Railways
Why IR passenger traffic heading south?
Indian Railway non-suburban passenger business is in a bad shape and unless immediate measures are taken to arrest it, it will be difficult to retain its status in the transport business. Lateral thinking, different from the way in which IR policymakers had been thinking in the past, is necessary. A brainstorming with all stakeholders with […]
Average speed of freight train over Indian Railways
General The average speed of freight train is steady and unchanging for the last 20 years as per the published figures of Indian Railway. It was 22.8, 24.1, 25.6, 23.4 and 23.8 in the Year 1990-91, 2000-01, 2010-11, 2015-16 and 2016-17 (till Oct.2016). Had IR reached the plateau of the target average speed? Is there […]
Mechanized measurement and inspection – a help to cut down maintenance cost

Failure of integration of new technologies with the traditional system of working is the main reason for Indian Railways failure to cut down cost. Introduction of new technologies in any system cannot be done overnight and is always a well-planned engineering process. If not, both system runs parallel and not deriving any benefit to the […]
‘Rescue’ Indian Railway passenger business through statistical indices ‘RSKU’
Is Indian Railway earning fully towards its non-sub-urban passenger business? There is no published data to corroborate this. Interpreting it by the long waiting list is a wrong assessment. The waiting list continuing in 2016-17 even when there is a drop of 10% passenger as compared to 2012-13 and 10% increase in coach holding. The […]
Why no steps to digitize issue of free travel pass and reservation?

Indian Railway issues free passes for the journey over Indian Railways to its employee, dependent and also non-railway persons for a variety of reasons as detailed in the gazette notification issued on 8th May 2008 with the inclusion of all correction slips. 2http://www.ner.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1349074968630-1986%20(1993%20edition).pdf The system followed for issue of the pass has not undergone any […]
Where has 150 millions Indian Railway passenger gone?

There is disturbing news that IR has recorded a drop of 4.2% passenger traffic during April-August during 2014-15 as compared to last year. Indian Railway carried 343 Crs passenger this year as compared to 358 Cr last year during the first five months showing a drop of 15 Crs passenger. Where have 15 Crs. Indian Railway […]
Is it not the right time to start winding up RRBs spread all over India?

Indian Railway employs around 13 lakhs personal of which around 70% is Group C staff with direct recruitment through Railway Recruitment Board popularly called RRB. Considering 36 years of service life of a staff and recruitment through RRB for about 75% of the annual arising (keeping a margin for sports, cultural, delays etc.), the yearly […]
Why Indian Railway does not set up High Level Committee to reduce manpower yardsticks?

Indian Railways has set-up large many committee to recommend measures to reform Railways. Why no committee constituted to cut staff which is about 57% of the total annual budget? Fundamentals of basic management is missing completely. Thither was news the other day ” Bheem joins Indian Railways in Ahmedabad”. This is a new class of high […]
Why Indian Railways not having a fire policy?

Whenever there is a fire incidence in Indian Railways, everyone wakes up. Instructions are reiterated in the rhetoric and bureaucratic way by opening the dust laden file. Minutes of the previous meeting are explored and action report called for on the deliberation. Directives are issued for inspection drive, counseling, checks, and super checks at all levels and […]
How to manage the damaging effect of speed differential to improve train mobility?

IR to improve its mobility of freight train by revisiting Newton First law and make sure non-stop running of freight train for a target of minimum 4 hours. Every railwayman has a strong want to see Indian Railways succeed in its mission to be a national transporter of passenger and freight at most economical cost. Transport on rail is […]