The Bibek Debroy report on railway reform must be accepted now

Effecting radical changes in the functioning of the Railways is a daunting task in view of resistance from several quarters — including the railway unions. The recommendations of the Bibek Debroy committee on railway reform should be accepted immediately.

The report should not meet the fate of the Prakash Tandon committee report of 1994 and the Rakesh Mohan committee report of 2001. Decentralisation of railways will promote efficiency. Zonal railways need more power and financial freedom. The private sector has to be roped in for key areas like infrastructure. A separate regulatory body will ensure tariff uniformity. Doing away with the railway budget is not a bad idea either.

GANAPATHI BHAT,