Left MPs' objections rejected; Railway Bill 2024 passed in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: The Railways (Amendment) Bill, which aims to give autonomy to the Railway Board, has been passed in the Rajya Sabha as well. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill in the last winter session. The opposition had expressed concern that the government would take control of the Railway Board through the amendment.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the bill aims to include the Railway Board under the Railway Act of 1989 and transfer the responsibility of appointment to the Centre.

Importance of the Bill: The Railway Board Act of 1905 will be repealed and its provisions will be incorporated in the Railway Act of 1989. The Railways, which was under the Public Works Department before independence, was separated by an Act of 1890. In 1905, another Act was enacted for the Railway Board. The Chairman and members of the Board are appointed as per the Act of 1905.

The new Act amends Section 2 of the Railway Act of 1989 and adds a new Chapter I-A which pertains to the Railway Board. It provides for the conferment of certain powers to the Railway Board as per the Central directive.