The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has voiced concerns over the Indian Railways’ policies, alleging that they are increasingly tailored to benefit the affluent at the expense of the common man. In a statement, Gandhi accused the government of designing railway policies with a narrow focus on the wealthy, thereby marginalizing the majority who rely on this essential mode of transportation.
Gandhi’s critique highlights a series of policy decisions that purportedly prioritize high-end services and facilities, making railway travel less accessible and affordable for the general population. He pointed out the annual fare increases, the surge in dynamic fare prices, and elevated cancellation fees as barriers that disadvantage the economically weaker sections of society. Furthermore, the Congress leader lamented the diminishing concessions for senior citizens, claiming the government has accumulated Rs 3,700 crore at their expense over the past three years.
The push towards more air-conditioned coaches, according to Gandhi, not only sidelines the needs of laborers, farmers, students, and the working class who predominantly use general coaches but also reflects a skewed priority favoring luxury over accessibility. He argued that this shift results in the neglect of “common people’s trains,” facilitating a disproportionate emphasis on publicity-driven trains.
Gandhi also criticized the discontinuation of the separate Railway Budget presentation as a strategic move to obscure the alleged mismanagement and policy biases within the Railways. By sidelining the vast majority that depends on the railways for affordable travel, Gandhi asserts that the government’s approach constitutes a betrayal of public trust.
Through his statements, Rahul Gandhi underscores a growing concern over the railways’ direction under the current administration, suggesting that a reevaluation of priorities is necessary to ensure the Railways remain an inclusive and accessible service for all segments of Indian society.