The so-called “Amritkaal,” a term symbolizing prosperity and progress, is ironically turning into a grim chapter for the indian Railways. Under the leadership of Railway minister ashwini Vaishnaw, the nation is witnessing a record number of train accidents, yet the silence from mainstream media and the absence of public outrage is deafening.
A Pattern of Tragedy
In the past few years, the indian Railways has been plagued by horrifying accidents that have exposed systemic failures:
- Balasore train Tragedy (2023): A devastating collision that claimed over 280 lives and injured hundreds. The root cause? Alleged lapses in the signaling system.
- Freight Derailments: A spate of derailments involving goods trains, leading to massive disruptions and highlighting a glaring lack of maintenance.
- Daily Mishaps: Smaller accidents—derailments, collisions, and infrastructure collapses—occur with alarming regularity but are brushed under the carpet.
These incidents are not isolated but part of a growing pattern of negligence and mismanagement under Vaishnaw’s tenure.
Modernization at the Cost of Safety
ashwini Vaishnaw entered office with a vision of modernization. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains, electrification of tracks, and the push for privatization were hailed as milestones. But what use is modernization when safety is compromised?
- Neglect of Core Infrastructure: While shiny new trains grab headlines, the underlying rail infrastructure remains outdated and poorly maintained.
- Overworked Staff: Reports suggest that railway personnel are overburdened and undertrained, leading to operational errors.
- Signal Failures: Many accidents have been traced back to outdated signaling systems, an issue that modernization initiatives have failed to address adequately.
Media Silence: Why the Outrage is Missing
One of the most disturbing aspects of this crisis is the lack of media debate and public outcry. In the past, any major train accident would lead to intense scrutiny, debates, and accountability. Today, however:
The Forgotten Victims
Each train accident leaves behind a trail of shattered lives—families losing loved ones, injured passengers grappling with lifelong trauma, and livelihoods disrupted. Yet, their voices are drowned out in the din of political slogans and claims of progress.
The Need for Accountability
The role of a Railway minister is not just to launch new trains but to ensure the safety and efficiency of the entire network. Under ashwini Vaishnaw, the railways seem to have lost sight of this fundamental responsibility.
- Amritkaal or Accikaal?
India’s railways, a lifeline for millions, are in a state of crisis. The current leadership, instead of ensuring safe and reliable transport, is caught up in a PR blitz of modernization. Unless immediate steps are taken to prioritize safety, this “Amritkaal” will be remembered as an era of neglect, incompetence, and unnecessary loss of life.
It’s time for the Railway minister to answer some hard questions—or step aside for someone who can.
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