Rail unions to oppose privatization of trains

Nagpur: Even as the ministry of railways has started process for private participation in operating passenger train services, the move has been vehemently opposed and dubbed as ‘anti-social’ by railway unions.
The unions have warned repeat of historic strikes that shook the railways in 1960, 1968 and 1974 if the Railway Board goes ahead with the privatization of trains. The ministry has already invited request for qualification (RFQ) from private parties for operating train services from 109 origin destination pairs of routes through introduction of 151 modern trains.
In a statement, National Railway Mazdoor Union (NRMU) general secretary for Central & Konkan Railway Venu P Nair said, “This fight against privatization is now not limited to employees but people, who are the beneficiaries of train services. The motto of private operators will be profiteering and hence common man will be deprived of concessions and will have to pay hefty fares. We will reach out to all employees to spread awareness.”
Citing example of Tejas Express, which runs between Delhi and Lucknow, Nair said, “Travellers are being charged three times more than the fare charged by Indian Railways. The time taken by both private operator and railways to reach destinations is the same.”
“On one hand, the BJP government at the Centre praised railway employees and their workshops as Covid warriors for their outstanding performance and output during corona crisis and on the other the same government is promoting privatization and planning to do away with 50% posts, except safety category. The government’s own statements are conflicting,” said Nair.
The NRMU leader said such decisions are being taken under the garb of lockdown and providing employment to youth. “The government knows there will be no mass protests due to Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.
Vikas Gaur, general secretary of Swatantra Railway Bahujan Karmachari Union, said, “Indian Railways is the biggest public sector undertaking with 13 lakh employees and having potential to provide employment to all sections of the society and its privatization cannot be sustainable by any means.”
“We strongly condemn the decision to allow entry to private parties to run trains. Instead, we request the ministry of railways to believe the strength and dedication of railway employees. History has witnessed adverse effects of railway privatization in developed countries like New Zealand, Argentina, and United Kingdom,” said Gaur.