Amid din, Lok Sabha clears Railways Bill to enhance independence of Board

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha despite disruptions during parliamentary proceedings. The bill aims to simplify and modernize the existing legal framework governing Indian Railways.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Incorporation of Indian Railway Board Act, 1905: The Bill proposes to incorporate all provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989. This consolidation will reduce the need to refer to two separate laws.
Statutory Backing for Railway Board: The Bill provides statutory powers to the Railway Board, which has functioned without such legal backing since its inception. This will enhance its functioning and independence.
Composition of the Railway Board: It authorizes the Union government to determine the composition of the Railway Board, including the number of members, their terms of service, qualifications, and experience.
Decentralization of Powers: The Bill also aims to increase the autonomy of railway zones, a long-standing demand supported by committees like the 2014 Sreedharan Committee. Decentralization is aimed at enhancing the decision-making process at regional levels and improving service delivery.
Independent Regulator: The Bill proposes the creation of an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, safety, and private sector participation in the Railways, in line with recommendations made in 2015 by the Committee on Restructuring Railways.
Faster Infrastructure Development: The Bill will facilitate faster approval of infrastructure projects and superfast train operations, helping to meet regional transportation needs.

Evolution of Indian Railways:

The railway network in India was initially established as part of the Public Works Department before Independence.
As the network expanded, the Indian Railways Act, 1890 was enacted to provide a legal framework for its functioning.
In 1905, the Railway Board Act was introduced to govern the railway system, separating it from the Public Works Department.
After India gained independence in 1947, the railways were nationalized in 1951.
Railway Act 1989 replaced the Railways Act of 1890. The Act provides in detail the legislative provisions regarding railway zones, construction and maintenance of works, passenger and employee services.
The current amendment seeks to further modernize the system and consolidate legal provisions under the Railways Act, 1989.