Indian Railways in 2024 (part 1): Tracks of progress or stations of stagnation
As 2024 draws to a close, taking stock of Indian Railways' (IR) performance feels a bit like examining the last New Year’s resolution list in December—you find a few tick marks but mostly unfulfilled promises and some creative self-promotion. Sure, there have been some infrastructure gains, but the year has also witnessed a dismal Operating Ratio, uninspiring financial results, missed deadlines on marquee projects, over-the-top fanfare for a handful of flashy schemes, discontent from General class passengers, and a bungled attempt to unify the fragmented management through a new service structure. Critiquing IR’s 2024 journey is no small feat, especially when much of the public seems convinced that the organization is on an unstoppable trajectory of greatness. This belief owes more to IR’s skilful media orchestration—loudly announcing what is on the horizon rather than celebrating actual achievements—than to any objective reality. Nonetheless, I have taken up the challenge of deliv...