Friday, July 18, 2014

Railway Budget 2014

Governance being the lead slogan of the current government,one would have expected the Budget 2014 to lay out broad contours of improved standards in each of the distinct elements of operation of the IR . Passenger related concerns that remain largely un -addressed are :-Transparent and easy  ticketing; Safety;Cleanliness , Hygiene and ease of passenger movement inside stations;Punctuality and Law and Order.All these are directly linked to  governance and superintendence of day-to-day operations.Wages form a very  large chunk of revenue.To ensure commensurate returns, the wage needs to be split into salary and performance incentive.. Incentives be based on an algorithm of base operating elements and relative performance assessed twice a year.This would have been difficult earlier but with extensive computerisation now available it can be handled .This could be be applicable Division wise.Very large PSUs  has been doing this for long in routine and ensuring continuous improvement.Improved efficiency through employee empowerment and incentives will in itself  enable  ushering  in  increased and faster haulage and wagon turn around.Such a well oiled organisation can then be utilised to meet the higher levels of operational competency  for proposed high speed rail movement. Bullet trains are no anathema but operational excellence in the IR must be in place well before this hardware rolls out.Obviously the intention is not just one show piece train but many more to follow.

Pub : Economic Times ;July 10

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