Speedy trains from main city stations to sights in various historical places would be a boon to tourists and would become very popular

Railway Minister, DV Sadananda Gowda will present his first budget on Tuesday and is widely expected to offer proposals that will ensure users get value for their money!

It may be recalled that he had stated earlier that passengers would be happy to pay more provided there was improvement in services and facilities to make travel a pleasure and not a pain.

There have been broad hints that, after all FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) in Railways would be allowed as this will enable all round improvement; introduce proposals for speed trains; extend tracks to enable great coverage; provide better handling facilities for both domestic and export freight by ensuring priority in movements. A tall order, but doable!

For example, the latest addition to the speedy movement covers the Delhi-Agra trip that was actually achieved in about 90 minutes. This, no doubt, will enable tourists, both domestic and foreign, to enjoy the ride, do the sight seeing in Agra/Delhi and return to base quickly.

Such speedy trains from main city stations to sights in various historical places would be a boon to tourists and would become very popular.

In fact, in the years ahead, Railways ought to be able to provide rail services directly from city centres to the airports. Decades ago, for instance, one could get off at the London Heathrow and take the tube to the city! Similar service linking the metro, mono rail, circular railways etc are available in many cities in the world. Why should India lag behind?

There is one other area that can be thought of and implemented. At the moment, there are no facilities available for Railway Travel Insurance. No doubt, in the case of accidents leading to unfortunate death and/or injury, ad hoc compensation not only the Railway administration but by State governments also.

So, why not work out a scheme that would enable every passenger to take a rail travel insurance at an additional (nominal) charge on the ticket, which may be made optional, and quantum of compensation is pre-determined and publicised?

Finally, while welcoming the FDI to bring in overall improvement in the Railway operations, government ought to seriously consider making it a Corporate body. Additionally, this opportunity to own and operate the railways, even if necessary sector wise, should be offered to Indian corporate giants. In such an event, they would become responsible for laying additional tracks, and/or lay double lines, work out the prospects for greater utilization of tracks, run dedicated freight corridors and offer super-service like a full-service airline on tracks?

Privatisation of Railways would also bring in much needed funds to the government for their enormous infrastructure projects on hand. All these will create tremendous opportunity for expanding the employment potential too.

(AK Ramdas has worked with the Engineering Export Promotion Council of the ministry of commerce. He was also associated with various committees of the Council. His international career took him to places like Beirut, Kuwait and Dubai at a time when these were small trading outposts; and later to the US.)