Opinions and Ideas

The Indian Railways needs to remake itself to explore and secure the immense possibilities of the short-distance and Intercity travel segment.

We look at how railway economics work and what would likely be the fares on Indian private trains.

What "private trains" and private participation in the Indian Railway sector would mean, and the future of Indian Railways.

A lot of bandwidth of all kinds is spent these days on wailing and whining about how the railways are running in loss. “Indian Railways (IR) recovers only 57% of cost of travel on an average!” laments the railway ticket. Everywhere on IR properties, signs and posters ask us if we…

From delays and technical glitches to fatal crashes and stampedes, the Indian Railways problems seem to be never ending with little respite despite the powers that are assuring us otherwise with regular regularity, awarding it epithets of “creaking”, “accident prone”, “deadly” among others because terribly, most of these problems result…

Three score and nine years ago, our forefathers brought forth upon this continent, a new system of railways, conceived in socialism, and dedicated to the proposition that all trains are created equal. Since then, all trains had indeed been equal: so equal that we decided the system should live on…

Ministry of Railways, India, has asked the public to submit their ideas and suggestions to be included in the Indian Railway Budget for 2016-17. Here are some suggestions that can be implemented. You can also give your suggestions to be included in the budget though this online portal here. Integration…

UPDATE: Removal of all temporary stoppages have been put on hold. A good example that shows how Kerala and its hallowed population of Malayalees are dedicated to the ideals of socialism is its trains. Outside Kerala you might be a big-ass Rajdhani, a fast intercity or overnight express, an ultra-prestigious superfast sharing the name with…

It happened again! Southern Railway’s railway coaches allotted to the TVC (Trivandrum) division are falling apart on the slightest provocation, not unlike how an Indian hatchback car crumbles when it makes the slightest contact with an external stationary object. The latest incident which made headlines all over the country was when…

It is that joyous time of the year again! On the run-up to the railway budget, shopping lists are being prepared by all and sundry listing goodies they would like to be gifted not unlike a kid writing a letter to Santa. I though it would be a good idea…