Indian Railways is considered to be one of the busiest and having the heaviest traffic per kilometre of Rail track in the world. The tally of Rail accidents is increasing. It is embarrassing that there is this increase after 70 years of Independence. The lackadaisical approach to their duties of maintaining the tracks is unpardonable. In spite of the Sunday mega blocks in Mumbai City and its Suburbs for the maintenance and repairs we still have the overhead wires breaking the rail cracking etc. The gangmen employed for security and maintenance of the tracks are not doing the job as they are working in the senior officer’s residences. These senior officers consider these gangmen as their personal servants and make them do work in their homes. This is not appropriate. If this is the condition of the railways in Mumbai then what will be the state in the smaller and interior areas of the country! They will be doing what they want. Living comfortable and luxurious life while jeopardising the lives of the general public! Is this what expected of these Railway employees? The New Railway Minister should consider this and bring back on track these wayward senior railway officers and their gangmen and break this chain of railway accidents. These are all that Indian passenger expect from the Railways!
Rahul Patekar
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
