Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha, after being introduced five months earlier. This significant piece of legislation seeks to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing Indian Railways. It aims to incorporate provisions from the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the laws and enhancing the functioning of the Railway Board.

Key Provisions of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Bill aims to integrate the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the existing Railways Act, 1989. This merger is intended to reduce reliance on multiple laws, simplifying the regulatory structure for the railways.
• Statutory Backing: The amendment provides statutory backing to the Railway Board, which has been functioning without formal sanction since its inception. This provision seeks to formalize the powers and responsibilities of the Board.
• Enhanced Powers: The Bill empowers the Central Government to decide the composition of the Railway Board, including determining the number of members, their qualifications, and the terms of service. This move is aimed at improving the operational efficiency and governance of Indian Railways.
• Decentralization and Autonomy: The amendment seeks to increase the autonomy of various Railway Zones, addressing long-standing demands for greater regional independence. This is expected to improve operational efficiency and decision-making at the local level.
• Independent Regulator: The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent regulator to oversee key areas such as tariffs, safety, and the participation of the private sector in the railway system. This recommendation was first made in 2015 by the Committee on Restructuring Railways.
• Faster Approval Process for Train Services: The amendment is designed to expedite the approval process for new train services, helping meet the growing demand in various regions of the country. One example of such improvements includes the extension of the Arunachal Express via key routes in Bihar.

Evolution of Indian Railways Law

• The Indian Railways network was initially established as part of the Public Works Department during British rule.
• The Indian Railways Act, 1890, was enacted to organize and regulate the expanding railway network. Following this, the Railway Board Act, 1905, formalized the governance structure of Indian Railways.
• The Railways Act, 1989, was introduced to replace the 1890 Act, marking a shift towards modernizing and consolidating the legal framework for Indian Railways.
• Railway Board’s Lack of Statutory Authority: Despite the enactment of the 1989 Act, the Railway Board continued to operate based on executive decisions rather than statutory backing, which the current amendment seeks to rectify.