What is the primary objective of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) To merge the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989

Explanation:

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced to repeal the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, and incorporate its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989.
• This consolidation aims to simplify the legal framework governing Indian Railways, reducing the need to refer to multiple laws and enhancing operational efficiency.
• The Bill also empowers the Central Government to prescribe the composition, qualifications, and terms of service for the Railway Board, streamlining governance.
• While the Bill retains the current organizational structure of Indian Railways, it seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board within a unified legal framework.
• The Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that the Bill would modernize and strengthen Indian Railways without affecting its public ownership or introducing privatization.
• The budgetary allocation for the Railway Board for the financial year 2024-25 is ₹440.01 crore, indicating continued government support under the new framework.

Information Booster:

• The Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 was enacted to establish a central authority for managing and controlling Indian Railways.
• The Railways Act, 1989 serves as the primary legislation governing the operation and regulation of railways in India.
• The merger of these Acts is intended to streamline administrative processes, reduce legal redundancies, and improve the overall governance of Indian Railways.