Issue of Manpower Shortages in Indian Railways

Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure

Context

• Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board, has raised concerns about the critical issue of manpower shortages in Indian Railways and sought additional staff “urgently” to ensure the safe operation of trains.
  • He highlighted the exponential growth in railway infrastructure, particularly the increase in new lines and trains, and emphasised the need for the creation of new posts.

Concerns

• For effective monitoring and execution of various projects, maintenance of new assets, and the smooth and safe operation of trains, there is an urgent requirement for additional manpower in Indian Railways.
• Concerns are set against a backdrop of a series of major accidents resulting in multiple fatalities across the railway network over the past two years. 
• Filling the large number of vacancies across various departments, especially in safety-related roles, has been a longstanding demand of trade unions.

Indian Railways

• India has one of the world’s largest rail networks in terms of passenger traffic.
• India has the 4th largest railway system in the world, behind only the US, Russia and China.
• The Indian Railways consists of a total track length of 126,366 km with 7,335 stations. 5100 km of track length was achieved during 2023-24.
• The Railways Board, which has a monopoly over the provision of rail services in India, oversees the whole infrastructure. 

Challenges Faced by the Sector

• Infrastructure Modernization: Much of the rail infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and stations, is outdated and in need of modernization. 
• Financial Strain: Revenue from passenger and freight operations sometimes falls short of meeting the operational costs and investment needs.
• Limited Scope for Outsourcing: Given that compliance with safety norms is of paramount in train operations, outsourcing critical activities like maintenance of tracks, bridges, locomotives, coaches, wagons, and signaling equipment is not feasible. 
• Safety Concerns: Ensuring safety across such a vast network is a significant challenge.
  • This includes preventing accidents, managing the condition of tracks and rolling stock, and ensuring passenger safety.
• Maintenance Issues: Regular maintenance of rolling stock and infrastructure is essential but often insufficient due to budget constraints and logistical issues.
• Technological Integration: Modernizing with new technologies, such as advanced signaling systems, automatic train protection, and real-time tracking, is essential for improving efficiency and safety.
• Land Acquisition and Project Delays: Acquiring land for new projects and managing the associated legal and logistical issues cause delays and increase costs.

Government Initiatives

• Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): The construction of Dedicated Freight Corridors, such as the Western and Eastern Corridors, is intended to separate freight traffic from passenger services, reducing congestion and increasing efficiency in both freight and passenger operations.
• High-Speed Rail Projects: The introduction of high-speed rail services, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, aims to modernize the rail network and provide faster, more efficient travel options.
• Electrification: The Indian Railways is working towards complete electrification of its rail network.
  • Electrification reduces dependency on diesel, lowers operational costs, and helps in reducing carbon emissions.
• Station Redevelopment: The government is investing in redeveloping major railway stations to improve facilities and services. This includes upgrading infrastructure, enhancing amenities, and making stations more passenger-friendly.
• Digital Initiatives: The introduction of digital platforms like IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) for ticket booking, real-time tracking of trains, and e-payment systems aim to make services more accessible and user-friendly.
• Safety Measures: The government is focusing on improving safety through initiatives such as the installation of advanced signaling systems, automatic train protection systems, and better maintenance practices.
• Expansion of Regional Connectivity: Projects aimed at expanding rail connectivity to underserved regions and remote areas help in promoting balanced regional development and improving access to transportation.

Way Ahead

• To meet the ambitious targets set for 2030, more trains would have  to be operated, which required increased manpower for both train operations and infrastructure maintenance. 
• The creation and expansion of new assets and lines in the railways also necessitated adherence to all safety parameters for clearance by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
• Indian Railways is crucial to India’s transportation infrastructure and economic development. 
• The sector is set to embrace technologies like AI for predictive maintenance, big data for operational efficiency, and advanced signaling systems.
• Continued focus is on expanding network reach, improving speed, and enhancing passenger and freight services.

Source: TH