The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is a fresh example where people lost their lives, many were injured, yet no one was held accountable, and no case was filed. The state of governance in our country can be gauged from the fact that if someone uses foul language on a TV show, our great culture is deemed to be in danger. However, if 18 people die due to government negligence, it is merely labeled as an “unfortunate incident” and forgotten.
Railway Accidents and Pretentious Grief
As always, statements like “a serious investigation will be conducted,” “measures will be taken to improve the system,” and “action will be taken against those responsible for the accident” were heard. But the reality is that these assurances hardly last more than a couple of days. Once the media shifts its focus, everything is conveniently forgotten.
Think about it—when the capital’s railway station is in such a state, how dire must the conditions be in smaller towns and villages? We boast about bullet trains and “Vande Bharat,” yet we lack even the basic capacity to manage passenger crowds at railway stations.
What Is the Railway Ministry Actually Doing?
It now seems that the real job of the railway ministry is no longer to improve railway services but to engage in event management and public relations. Launch a new train, get #ProudMoment trending on social media, and move on! If an accident occurs, hold a sorrowful press conference, transfer a couple of officials, and then start preparing for the next train inauguration.
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Our railway minister has now become a “reel-life minister”—one who appears in front of cameras after every accident, looking somber and promising that such incidents will not happen again. But the real question is, for how long? How long will the common man keep dying in these accidents while the government merely expresses pretentious sympathy and escapes responsibility?
Where Is the Problem?
- Plans Limited to Announcements – There is constant talk of modernizing the railway system, yet the ground reality is that even basic facilities at stations are lacking.
- Major Planning Flaws – The railway is too focused on freight transport and promoting new trains, while existing services continue to deteriorate.
- Lack of Accountability – Accidents happen, people die, yet no significant action is ever taken against top officials or political leaders.
Will There Be Any Change?
If we look at history, the answer is clear—no. Our governments have mastered the art of diverting attention from real issues. Railway accidents may make headlines, but serious efforts to find solutions are rarely made.
However, the public must realize that merely celebrating new train launches is not enough. We need to hold those in power accountable. Governments have come and gone, but the mismanagement of the railway system remains unchanged. Will we remain confined to just ‘expressing grief’ and ‘press conferences,’ or will we demand real change? The answer lies in our hands.
