ARA MP RAISES RAILWAY BUDGET AND REGIONAL RAILWAY ISSUES IN LOK SABHA

ARA MP RAISES RAILWAY BUDGET AND REGIONAL RAILWAY ISSUES IN LOK SABHA

17-MARCH-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------During the Budget Session of the Lok Sabha, while participating in the discussion on the Railway Budget, Ara MP Sudama Prasad raised various railway-related issues pertinent to his constituency.

He stated that Indian Railways is not merely a mode of transport; rather, it serves as the backbone of the national economy, a strong link for social cohesion, and a lifeline for millions of poor people, laborers, farmers, migrant workers, traders, and salaried professionals.

He noted that the government has allocated a budget of approximately ₹2,78,000 crore for the Ministry of Railways and has proposed a capital expenditure of nearly ₹2,00,000 crore. While this is undoubtedly a substantial budget, the pertinent question remains: will this budget truly be able to resolve the issues faced by ordinary passengers? Will it lead to an improvement in the condition of small and rural railway stations? Will it bolster the railway's safety and security infrastructure? And, crucially, will the hundreds of thousands of railway vacancies that have remained unfilled for a long time finally be filled?

He asserted that the sheer size of a budget is not, in itself, proof of development; rather, it is the judicious utilization of those funds that serves as the true indicator of actual progress.

The MP advocated for the reintroduction of a separate Railway Budget, arguing that this would facilitate detailed and serious parliamentary discussions on issues specifically pertaining to the railways.

He observed that while the government consistently claims to be modernizing the railways—citing initiatives such as the launch of semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat—this modernization remains largely confined to a select few trains and major metropolitan cities. Thousands of smaller railway stations across the country continue to struggle with a severe lack of basic amenities. Many stations lack even the most fundamental facilities, such as drinking water, adequate seating arrangements, and sufficient shelter for passengers.

MP Sudama Prasad emphasized that railway safety is a matter of paramount importance for the nation. He argued that mere announcements are insufficient; instead, concrete action is required in this regard, and the existing safety and security mechanisms must be further strengthened.

He further pointed out that while Indian Railways has historically been the country's largest government employer, the current reality is that employment opportunities within the railways are steadily dwindling, while the workload and burden on existing employees continue to escalate. Thousands of posts lie vacant and should be filled expeditiously.

He stated that the railways constitute the primary mode of travel for the poor and the middle class; however, the current reality is that the number of ordinary trains is dwindling, sleeper and general coaches are being reduced, while the number of expensive trains is on the rise. In light of this, the common man of the country is asking: Is the railway system now operating solely for the benefit of the wealthy?

The MP asserted that travel should be affordable, safe, and accessible. He demanded that the ordinary trains which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic be reinstated, and that the frequency of ordinary and daily commuter trains be increased. Furthermore, the number of three-tier and general coaches on these trains should be augmented to provide relief to ordinary passengers.

He noted that, today, migrant laborers and impoverished passengers are compelled to travel packed into trains like cattle—a situation that is deeply concerning.

MP Sudama Prasad also drew the government's attention to the specific issues plaguing his constituency, the Bhojpur district of Bihar. He pointed out that the platforms at several railway stations within the district are too low, causing immense difficulty for passengers while boarding and alighting from trains. These stations also suffer from a lack of accessible restrooms and other basic amenities. He demanded that the platform heights be raised and that the necessary facilities be provided.

In addition to the above, he put forward the following demands:

@ The New Delhi–Ara Rajdhani Express should be accorded a stoppage at Ara Station.

@ A new train—modeled after the Mahabodhi Express—should be introduced on the Gaya–Delhi railway section.

@ The Patna–Howrah Shatabdi Express should be given a stoppage at Ara Station, or its route should be extended up to Ara.

@ A new train service should be launched connecting Ara to Chennai.

@ The route of the Ganga–Damodar Express should be extended up to Ara.

He further remarked that the railway foot-over bridge currently under construction in Ara is progressing at a pace slower even than that of a tortoise. He demanded that this project be completed without delay so that it may benefit thousands of people.