Who introduced the Railways (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on 9 August 2024?

The correct answer is Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Key Points

• Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, introduced the Railways (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on 9 August 2024.
• The bill aims to amend the Railways Act, 1989, to enhance railway infrastructure, efficiency, and safety standards.
• Ashwini Vaishnaw, an experienced bureaucrat and technocrat, has been actively involved in overhauling India’s railway systems since taking office in July 2021.
• The Railways (Amendment) Bill is part of the government's broader vision to modernize and digitize railway operations, including the introduction of semi-high-speed and high-speed rail corridors.
• This bill aligns with India’s commitment to improving public transportation systems under the National Infrastructure Pipeline and Gati Shakti initiatives.

Additional Information

• Railways Act, 1989:
  • The Railways Act governs the functioning, safety, and operational standards of Indian Railways.
  • It provides provisions for railway administration, passenger services, and penalties for non-compliance.
• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP):
  • Launched in December 2019, NIP aims to invest ₹111 lakh crore in infrastructure projects across sectors by 2025.
  • Railways is one of the key sectors under NIP, focusing on modernization and expansion.
• Gati Shakti Initiative:
  • Introduced in October 2021, Gati Shakti is a national master plan for multi-modal connectivity.
  • It integrates various government departments to improve infrastructure efficiency.
• High-Speed Rail Corridors:
  • India's first high-speed rail project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, is under development.
  • Such projects aim to revolutionize rail travel, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger experience.
• Digital Transformation of Railways:
  • Indian Railways is adopting technologies like AI, IoT, and Big Data for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
  • Digital ticketing, real-time tracking, and smart stations are part of this transformation.