The Opposition to Privatizing Indian Railways

Indian Railways is a complex and vital system, serving millions of passengers and freight across the length and breadth of the country. Under any standard, the fare is reasonable, and it proved its social value during the pandemic, transporting millions of migrants for free. Privatizing such a massive and intricate infrastructure might seem appealing, but the challenges it presents make it an unwise decision.

Indian Railways: A Social Service, Not a Business Enterprise

The Indian Railway functions more as a social service than a business entity. The idea of private ownership and management poses significant risks. For one, private entities might fail to manage the railway as efficiently as the current organization. Additionally, private ownership would likely lead to increased costs and reduced services for the general public, especially for the economically disadvantaged.

Natural Monopoly and Regulatory Concerns

The railway network is essentially a natural monopoly. In most cases, having a single connection between two cities is the best scenario. If the railway network were privatized, it would not only become a potential socio-economic monopoly but also lead to inefficiencies and increased costs. For instance, if a single private entity controlled the railway, it could hold power over fare pricing, which would inevitably lead to a decrease in affordability for the majority of the population.

Labour and Contractual Issues

Another significant concern is the current state of employment in the Indian Railways. Recruitment as permanent employees has already ceased, and most jobs are now handled with contract labor. Unions fear that this could lead to a situation where there are no permanent staff on the books. For example, the current practice of subcontracting the cleaning of railway coaches is detrimental to the workforce. Subcontractors collect high payments from the Railways while providing pennies to the contract workers, mostly women from other states who are poorly paid and unaware of their rights. They often work for 10-12 hours a day with no breaks.

This points to the fact that privatization might not necessarily benefit the poor. While the facilities for AC coaches for the rich might indeed improve, the cost of fares under private management would likely be prohibitively expensive for the underprivileged. The current system ensures affordable travel for the masses, which would be at risk if a private company took over.

Accountability and Employee Morale

Under the current system, there is no accountability, and employees tend to work bare minimum. However, with privatization, there might be a significant change. Employees would need to work harder and be more accountable to meet the demands of the private entity. Without room for excuses or lethargy, the morale could drop, potentially leading to a decrease in service quality.

In conclusion, the opposition to privatizing Indian Railways stems from a deep-seated concern about efficiency, equity, and social impact. Maintaining the railway as a social service is crucial for the continued affordability and accessibility of travel for millions of Indians. Privatization, while it might seem like a modern solution, poses numerous challenges that could undermine the very principles that make Indian Railways one of India's greatest public assets.