Image Source: TRIBUNE

The Opposition today urged the government to not undertake privatisation of Railways and come out with a separate Budget to better analyse its performance.

Participating in a discussion on demands for grants of the Ministry of Railways in the Lok Sabha, Congress’ MK Raghavan said the Narendra Modi government had shown consistent apathy towards Railways in the past five years and the dismal performance was visible in the high operating ratio, the “worst in past 10 years”.

“The BJP is unaware of reasons for establishment of railways. It is not an engine to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, it is for poor man’s service,” the Congress MP said, adding that the focus of the Union Budget on the important sector was cursory and indicated neglect. “There is a drive to sell off public assets and a colossal failure in its management,” he added.