Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently launched a strong critique against the Congress in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the significant improvements made in the railway sector under the current government. His remarks were in response to criticism levelled by the opposition, particularly focusing on the conditions faced by loco pilots.
In his address, Vaishnaw sharply contrasted the actions of the current government with those of the opposition. He emphasised that while the opposition may create flashy content to highlight issues, his government focuses on tangible improvements. “We do not make reels, we do hard work unlike you people who make reels to show off,” Vaishnaw said, pointing out that real progress is not about superficial displays but about substantive changes.
The Railway Minister outlined several advancements made since the Narendra Modi government came into power. He noted that significant upgrades have been implemented for loco pilots, a group critical to the operation of India’s vast railway network. For example, the working and rest conditions of loco pilots were enhanced through rule amendments made in 2016.
These changes included the introduction of air conditioning in more than 7,000 loco cabs and the modernization of 558 running rooms, which were previously not equipped with such facilities.
Vaishnaw’s comments were partly a rebuttal to a recent Congress post that criticised the state of loco pilots’ working conditions. The Congress had highlighted the hardships faced by loco pilots and called for improvements to ensure their safety and comfort.
Vaishnaw responded by stating that the current government has already made substantial improvements that were absent in the past, addressing issues that the Congress now uses for political mileage.
In his speech, Vaishnaw also appealed to members of parliament to refrain from politicising the railway sector. He stressed the importance of focusing on strengthening and modernising the railway system, which he described as the lifeline of India’s economy. “Railway is a service for the common man of this country,” Vaishnaw asserted, urging for a collaborative approach to enhance the sector rather than using it as a political tool.
Acknowledging the contributions of various stakeholders, Vaishnaw thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support and for addressing critical financial challenges faced by the railway sector.
He highlighted the record allocation in the budget for railways, which he credited to the guidance and support from the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.
Vaishnaw also expressed his gratitude to the railway workers, who he said are the backbone of the railway system, operating over 20,000 trains daily. He recognized their efforts and the vital role they play in keeping the railway network functional and efficient.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s address was a defence of the government’s achievements and a call for unity in advancing the railway sector. He emphasised the contrast between the current government’s actions and the opposition’s criticisms, reinforcing the commitment to continued improvement and modernization of the Indian Railways.
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