Mumbai: Central Railway leads in scrap sale with Rs 300 cr earning

CR has sold 2,343 metric tonnes of rails, 23 locomotives, 252 coaches and 144 wagons. PIC COURTESY/CR

Central Railway has become the first Zonal Railway to surpass the railway board's scrap sale target for the Financial Year 2023-24. It achieved a staggering Rs 300.43 crore, with two and a half months left before the fiscal year concludes. "The sale of scraps included 22,343 metric tonnes of rails, 23 locomotives, 252 coaches and 144 wagons, including narrow gauge wagons in the Bhusawal division," an official from the Central Railways said.

While this accomplishment has been commended, concerns have been raised by passengers' associations about the apparent lack of infrastructure development, despite the significant revenue generated. Various associations say the public feels neglected, as the funds accrued are not being directed towards pressing infrastructural needs.

The focus on allocating resources for essential upgrades and maintenance seems to be lacking, leaving the common commuter in the lurch. "What Central Railways lacks is an upgrade in much-needed infrastructure. Funds are always spent on unnecessary tasks like the beautification of stations rather than ensuring an increase in train frequency to prevent crowding in trains," Nandkumar Deshmukh, President of the Federation of Rail Passengers Association, told mid-day.

Deshmukh added that this is a prime reason for the loss of passengers' lives. "Infrastructure should be developed such that passengers feel safe while travelling. There are stations that need an extra line. Whatever the Central Railway does is only on paper." Subhash Gupta, President of the Rail Yatri Parishad, remarked. "Even if the Central Railways has earned a substantial profit, it won't take the initiative to implement much-needed development." Central Railway officials did not respond to mid-day's queries about the allocation of accrued funds.