<div><em><strong>Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu introduces a lot of viable schemes to revive the ailing organisation, writes Arshad Khan</strong></em></div><div> </div><div>In 2014, the biggest challenge before the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance was to put the Indian Railways back on track. The government, however, took some time to choose the right man for the job. Finally Shiv Sena's Suresh Prabhu, who joined the BJP overnight was given the charge to rescue the railways.</div><div> </div><div>After assuming office, Prabhu introduced a lot of schemes and measures to revive the ailing organisation. Even his critics termed his railway budget as futuristic. </div><div> </div><div>The railway ministry's took ceratin bold initiatives including allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment, accelerating work for high speed trains, connecting north-eastern part with rest of the country, roping the National Institute of Design for internal design and increasing private participants.<br><br>Apart from big initiatives, the ministry also launched several moderate ones as well to provide more convenience to passengers. Of late, the railways has changed timings for Tatkal booking. The new schedule opens the window for Tatkal booking between 10 am to 11 am for AC class and for non- AC the Tatkal booking will commence at 11am and close at noon. 50 per cent refund on cancelling Tatkal ticket will bring relief tom passengers.</div><div> </div><div>This move is certainly going to be welcomed by passengers who were mostly left at the mercy of agents for confirmed tickets. The ministry has introduced Tatkal special trains to cater the rush between busiest stations at affordable price.</div><div> </div><div>Indian will soon run bullet trains. The first bullet train corridor will be between Mumbai- Ahemdabad. To attract passengers, fares are kept pocket friendly. Running at a speed of 320 kmph, the train is expected to take less than two hours to cover the distance. Earlier this year, the railways carried out a successful trial of its semi high speed train between Delhi and Agra. The service will commence soon once it get mandatory clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).</div><div> </div><div>Improving the condition of existing railways stations is also one of the major steps which the ministry has undertaken. Planning to set up toilets at all the platforms of New Delhi railway station, associating railways with Swatch Bharat Mission to make stations hygienic and installing Integrated Security System (ISS) in metropolis stations for passengers safety will polish the condition of stations.</div><div> </div><div>The railways has also increased the use of mobile in catering services. It has provided passengers the option to book their meals via SMS (often referred as WhatsApp meal). Alerting passengers about train cancellation by sending SMS will also help passengers to save their time and money.</div><div> </div><div>The development of Indian Railways is linked the country's growth. Since Independence, the railways has been the major source of public transport, but its development has always compromised with favour given to other sectors. </div><div> </div><div>Hopefully, Prabhu will deliver.</div>
