With its monopolistic stature and ever increasing demand for its passenger, goods and catering services, the Indian Railways has no reason to incur losses; if it is in the state it is in today, this can be attributed to corruption and mismanagement at all levels. The Railways’ losses can be linked to the web of corrupt contractors and railway officials, and also unscrupulous politicians (“Subsidise rail losses: PMO”, August 7). It is also time for introspection on why the public sector remains non- or underperforming, while private players are growing from strength to strength. Loopholes need to be plugged and steps taken to strengthen the organisations. Everyone knows where the problems lie.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
There is strong logic in subsidising losses on strategic lines and in backward area operations. Similarly, suburban train services are highly subsidised. While commuters rightly expect good service from the railways, there is also a need for commensurate payment for the services rendered. The tariff for suburban services has been stagnant for years. If the government finds it politically unacceptable to hike fares, they should recover the amount from local bodies which benefit indirectly from suburban services, as done in many European cities.
A.N. Appaiah,
Mumbai
