Safety and punctuality, a big challenge before Railways

Despite tall claims, more than 60 per cent trains, from Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, Superfast to ordinary express trains, are running late. According to sources, these trains are running late by 30 minutes to two hours. It's a daily routine and at maximum places there is no fog. Sources said the railway has strengthened it infrastructure and charging all facilities, including if anyone enter by vehicle, has to pay. Safety is another issue which has taken a serious turn. Sources said Rail Board, Zonal Heads and DRM offices are receiving complaints on social media platforms in big numbers daily. Even passengers travelling AC, First and AC II classes are facing overcrowding, frequent roaming of venders and absence friends of Conductor /TTE. Theft cases have also increased due to lack of safety. Though the PM is giving detailed reports of railway achievements at every occasion but Railway ministry is taking PM's announcement lightly and that is the reason railway services, punctuality and safety has become a big challenge for passengers. For all bad reasons, including delay, the railway has age old readymade excuses. Delay due to operational reasons, platform was not available and technical reasons. Many times it was found that platform excuse was found incorrect. Now question is-in high fi tech age and social media age why Indian Railways is banking on unreasonable excuses.