Parliament Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024

• 11 Mar 2025

On 10th March 2025, Parliament passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, with the Rajya Sabha approving it, following Lok Sabha’s nod last year.

• The bill seeks to amend the Railways Act 1989, granting greater powers and autonomy to the Railways Board to improve efficiency and governance.

Key Highlights

• Strengthening Railways Board: The bill enhances the independence and functioning of the Railways Board, ensuring transparent and accountable administration.
• Railway Infrastructure Development: Over the last 11 years, 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid and 45,000 km of tracks electrified, showcasing the government's focus on modernisation.
• Passenger and Rail Safety: The government has significantly increased funding for railway safety, investing over ₹1 lakh crore compared to ₹8,000-₹10,000 crore during the UPA era.
• Reduction in Rail Accidents: Annual rail accident incidents have declined from 171 to 30, with the introduction of LHB coaches, fog safety devices, and the KAVACH anti-collision system.
• Elimination of Unmanned Crossings: Unmanned railway crossings have been completely eliminated, reducing accident risks.