Performance of Indian Railways in the last five years
The Operating Ratio of Railways over the last five years is given below:
| Year | Operating Ratio (%) |
| 2014-15 | 91.25 |
| 2015-16 | 90.48 |
| 2016-17 | 96.50 |
| 2017-18 | 98.44 |
| 2018-19 | 97.29 |
The details of revenue surplus of Railways over the last five years are given below:
| Year | Revenue Surplus ( Rs. in crore) |
| 2014-15 | 7,664.94 |
| 2015-16 | 10,505.97 |
| 2016-17 | 4,913.00 |
| 2017-18 | 1,665.61 |
| 2018-19 | 3,773.86 |
The total expenditure incurred by the Central Government on Indian Railways over the last five years is given below:
| Year | *Total expenditure incurred by the Central Government on Indian Railways (Revenue and Capital) ( Rs. in crore) |
| 2014-15 | 2,01,027.15 |
| 2015-16 | 2,12,327.42 |
| 2016-17 | 2,16,180.96 |
| 2017-18 | 2,23,751.35 |
| 2018-19 | 2,44,234.36 |
*Total expenditure excludes capex under Extra Budgetary Resources (i.e. Market Borrowings & Partnerships) of Rs. 11,044 crore, Rs. 39,066 crore, Rs. 52,578 crore, Rs. 55,498 crore and Rs. 75,876 crore during 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Huge amounts are spent after barrowing from all possible resources specially after making Railways Government department. I mentioned this earlier also.
When the country needs special attention on the basic needs and the environmental pollution at its peak, it is a sad state. The future generations will feel the pinch and it is not in the larger interest of the nation.
I am not writing this to criticise, but to share the agony within.
The earlier position of Independent setup may be restored which will be responsible for important decisions taken and they will be answerable. Now it appears no one takes or feels the responsibility.
The Railway budget should be separated from the general budget as per earlier practice.
Operating ratio would have been much worse and negative if the borrowings and other projects expenditures are accounted as per the norms.
The Finance member of the Board has a moral responsibility to explain to the public including the aspects mentioned in the CAG report.
Gandhiji questioned the wrong priorities by the Britishers. What is happening now? I hope mine is not a cry in wilderness ?
We talk of Ram Rajya, but I don’t find a semblance of it in real time situatons, but in my young age in the villge without even electricty, people used to talk of Dharma.
The so-called developme!t should not derail us. I hope there are people who think on these lines.
What is the need for increasing speeds when there is less traffic. The cost of energy will go up. Specific energy consumption for Electric and Diesel and comparision may give proper ideas.
It is mentioned, Alsthom had supplied 100 locos and are going to supply 700 more locomotives. The way things are taking place where will be the traffic and perhaps priorities need proper assessment.
It is a surprise to me even, how I have taken up these things. Some may not like but at this stage, I cannot help which I feel is good.
My intention was to do something on environmental issues after unexpected visit to USA in 2008 as a social service cause. My previous Railway service made me to peep into Railway working.
I felt some drift in approach, which made me to do having responsible freedom.
I think India is loosing the the shine of Independence, the way it is drifting.
Someone is openly threatening in the media to acquire even properties abroad. No one is talking about the future with positive aspects due to renewables.
I think the Capitalistic system wants bussiness at any cost. What a downfall from the spirit of service and sacrifice and future vision of our leaders about 75 years ago?
I have no axe to grind and I am at the fag end. There are youngsters who need moral support to do good particularly on environment. My support was and is there in my own way. Fear is a dirtiest companion and Truth is a powerful friend.
Some people want to go abroad for comfortable life or may be other reasons.
But those who wants to be in India can do lot of good with renewables and storage.
The vision of Vivekananda and Gandhiji, Patel and many others should be a good guide.
Read about our Past heritage and lead the future with dignity and vigour. Many innocent villagers are there who do not no what to do. Give them some direction. Those who worked in Railways can easily acquire National vision and bring about unity. There are forces to disrupt which you do not allow. I hope Railwaymen are by and large disciplined and I wish you maintain and promote unity. I wrote about certain bad trends which should be thoughtover and corrected. I understand this is for internal use, hence I am writing frankly.
With all the best wishes,
Just I read RDSO is changed as DSO covering other areas?
When there is hardly any traffic why high speed goods trains which takes considerable power/ energy. The awareness about power usage and its cost needs someone to study which I think RDSO are supposed to do.
Who is reponsible for the points raised in Audit report and any rectification measures in the National interest?
I am mentioning all this with the vision of leaders of Independence struggle in mind.
Those who had retired with vast experience should not be a silent spectators.
There should be public debate on the reforms in electoral system and other issues should be debated.
I wrote to the Government long time ago but it appears no takers.
But Covid-19 and after effects and the poor people’s suffering made me to do something to satisfy my conscience.
Whenever there is a new Government Railway functioning should not be effected. This will result in a chaos.t
Transportation should be autonomous and persons of experience and integrity free from political leanings should be posted for a fixed term. With change in technology transportation needs are changing. The share of transport between Rail, road and waterways should be done in the National interest which can reviewed from time to time. Roadways is attractive but it is costly.
Goods traffic mostly should be by rail or rail cum road.
Rail establishment has to be there 24 hrs. and it should be effectively used.
These are few thoughts uppermost which I have mentioned in the National interest.
My main interest is enviromental issues effecting humanity at large and at my age of 83 years, I cannot tie myself with a particular group.
The product of Railways is transportation of living beings and material. Both are variable due to various reasons and particularly due to competetion from roadways. EVs development for the roadways which is going in a bigway. It will also reduce pollution.
Independent India with somuch talent is not used properly. Perhaps some are going abroad to show their talents as we are seeing.
The vision of Vivekananda, Gandhiji, Patel and Nehru and others are not made aware to the younger generation. I hope there are people who think on these lines and change the course and restore the rightful place in the comity of nations and try to save the world from the impending disaster due to environmental changes.
In a democracy the Governments change and along with it, the leaders heading. But the the people working will continue. Though the disciplinary rules may come in the way at times to express views, efforts should be made to incorporate Sardar Patel’s views where He gave freedom to administrators to express their honest opinion. This should be incorporated in the conduct rules.
In the normal situation it may not be needed but at critical times it will be useful. Otherwise the administation and the country will drift and the Democracy will loose it’s vigour.
Congratulations to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the new Railway Minister!
Let us hope, that with his Administrative experience and and educational background, he will be able to steer the Railways from the present situation to a better future.