Indian Railways occupies a special position in the socio-economic life of Indians. It is now facing acute problems in its financials and implementing rigorous reforms has become imperative to revive it.

Indian Railways one of the biggest rail networks in the world with more than 1,07,360 track kilometers, is at a crucial juncture today. Through its vast transportation network it has integrated markets and people across the length and breadth of the country. Particularly in times of war and calamities, it has risen to the occasion and become one of the foremost institutions in India. Despite all these vital contributions over decades, it is high time that the concerned authorities decide on the future survival strategies of the Railways.

Though the institution has been contributing to the economic growth of the nation, its own economies are in jeopardy today. With decreasing support from the exchequer, declining freight business and high competition from the road transportation network, stagnant revenues, low productivity, increasing staff and pension costs, and operating costs as high as 98.5 percent, the financial position of Indian Railways clearly indicates that it is on the deathbed.

Against this backdrop, few apparent questions arise. What are the major reasons that have led to this precarious state? What is to be done to make Indian Railways a commercially viable entity in the future? What are the possible alternatives and what are the repercussions of these alternatives on its economic growth and employees? Though the answers to these questions may seem easy to answer, it is a difficult task considering the complexity of operations.

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