Why in the news?

The Indian Railways will create mega railway terminals with multi-modal connectivity in aspirational cities with a population of more than 10 lakh across the country.

About the ‘Viksit Bharat’ Initiative –

The program is part of the infrastructure being developed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative
Viksit Bharat 2047 is the vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence.
This vision encompasses various facets of development, such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, social progress, and good governance, to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Key Provisions as per Railways Plans-

Inclusivity and Expansion: The initiative aims to be inclusive by considering inputs from stakeholders and has a vision for expansion beyond its initial parameters to cater to the needs of densely populated areas.
- The Railway Ministry is actively working on improving the passenger experience in a mission mode, indicating a focused and accelerated effort in this regard.
- Efforts are being made to improve the cleanliness of coaches and maintain proper amenities on railway premises to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Zero Tolerance Policy: The Ministry has issued a warning that any laxity on the part of senior officers will not be tolerated, emphasizing the importance of accountability and responsibility in ensuring passenger satisfaction.
Quality check and Monitoring: Principal Chief Mechanical Engineers (PCMEs) of Zonal Railways have been instructed to closely monitor and ensure sustained housekeeping and maintenance activities, indicating a hands-on approach to implementing these improvements.

Resource Constraints: Adequate funding, manpower, and infrastructure might be lacking, especially for initiatives that require significant investment in upgrading facilities and maintaining cleanliness.
Resistance to Change: Resistance from existing systems, bureaucracy, and resistance to change among stakeholders could impede the implementation of new initiatives.
Coordination Issues: Effective coordination among various departments and agencies involved in railway operations may be challenging, leading to delays or inefficiencies in implementation.
Technical Challenges: Addressing technical issues related to rolling stock maintenance, cleanliness, and passenger amenities may require specialized expertise and resources.
Operational challenges: The vast scale of railway operations across the country presents logistical challenges in ensuring uniform implementation of initiatives and maintaining standards consistently.
Training and Capacity Building: Providing adequate training and capacity building for staff involved in implementing and maintaining the initiatives may be necessary but could also be challenging to execute effectively.

Resource Mobilization: Explore alternative sources of funding such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), seek investment from international organizations, and allocate budgetary resources efficiently.
Capacity Building: Invest in training programs, workshops, and skill development initiatives to enhance the capabilities of staff involved in implementing and maintaining the initiatives.
Technology Adoption: Embrace technological solutions such as automated maintenance systems, real-time monitoring tools, and digital platforms to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in operations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Conduct extensive stakeholder consultations to garner support for initiatives, communicate the benefits clearly, and create awareness about the need for change.
- Simplify bureaucratic procedures, delegate decision-making authority where appropriate, and establish clear accountability mechanisms to facilitate faster implementation.

Indian Railways’ mega terminals aim to transform connectivity in aspirational cities. Challenges like resource constraints and resistance necessitate measures like stakeholder engagement, technology adoption, and streamlined processes for successful implementation.