Lok Sabha Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Key Provisions and Implications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Lok Sabha passes Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 |
| Key Provisions | - Grants statutory powers to the Railway Board.- Merges Railway Board Act, 1905, into Railways Act, 1989.- Empowers central government to determine Railway Board composition. |
| Introduced By | Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 9 August 2024 |
| Purpose | Simplify legal framework, enhance railway governance, and decentralise decision-making |
| Key Statutory Powers | - Central government approves superfast train operations through Thawe Junction.- Facilitates expansion of superfast trains, including Arunachal Express rerouting. |
| Recent Developments | - Plans for 13,000 new trains and 10,000 general coaches.- Introduction of Amrit Bharat Trains with Vande Bharat design features. |
| Important Dates | - Bill introduced on 9 August 2024.- Passed in Lok Sabha during Winter Session. |
| Ministerial Clarifications | - Privatisation concerns dismissed.- Decentralisation emphasised via 100% delegation of tendering powers to zone general managers. |