Mumbai Tragedy: Are Our Priorities Right?

We Indians are quite ambitious and optimistic people. A nice example of this was seen recently when we came to know of the commencement of the work for the much awaited Bullet Train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. While some are questioning the feasibility of the project in a developing economy like India, the reception for the Bullet Train has been mostly positive, in fact celebratory. I don’t have any problems with Bullet Train. Actually, I feel good that the present government is working towards its commitment to enhance our country’s reputation at the global level, and the Bullet Train can be a milestone in this journey.

However, today I came to know of an incident in Mumbai which has disturbed me deeply. A stampede during the rush hours at the busy railway station of Elphinstone Road in Mumbai has caused massive devastation, leaving 22 people dead and more than 35 injured. Heart wrenching pictures and videos of the incident could very well depict the havoc that was created, turning the city of dreams into the city of nightmare.

This brings me to an all important question: even after 70 years of independence, has India as a nation failed to set its priorities right? And I have my valid observations and points to ask this question. Let me bring our most loved Bullet Train project in perspective. We know very well that the Indian Railways is under severe financial crisis; in fact the condition has been deteriorating for a very long time. As per the mid-year financial analysis of 2016, the revenue deficit of the Indian Railways for the first half of 2016 was 12400 crore rupees, which is one of the worst of all times.

The apathy does not end here. Talking of the pathetic safety conditions of the railway network, we have very recently seen a series of railway accidents across the country. Outlived machineries, dilapidated tracks and buildings and overload are some of the attributes that define the state of Indian Railways. The fact of the matter is that the Railways need a revamp in the functioning and the infrastructure starting from the grass root level.  This would obviously not happen overnight. It is something that would require extraordinary courage, sustained efforts and financial input.

Given the fact that the Railways is struggling to even recover its present expenditure, is it justified to pump in the nation’s resources in a project that is going to cost over 1 lakh crore rupees? Now, some might disagree with me stating that 80% of the project cost would be borne by the Japanese Government, but for them let me clarify that it is a loan that would be paid over the next 50 years, which in itself will be a financial liability for the governments to come.

Basically, my concern is not just about the money being spent. Big things do cost big money- that is how the countries of the world operate. Here, as a voter of India, my concern is precisely about the things which we will be focusing on in the years to come. I reckon we are moving in a wrong direction and would therefore be applying our thoughts and dedicating our efforts at erroneous places. The focus of the government and the citizens, at this point of time, should be to build a robust, safe and reliable railway network. I am afraid that something like a Bullet Train would perhaps shift the nation’s emphasis from basic requirement of the present to a distant dream of the future.

Taking the example of the Mumbai mishap, the cursed over bridge where the stampede took place has been in a state of shambles. It is quite narrow and does not fulfill the requirements of the heavy passenger load of the area. The issue had been raised several times, but as it mostly happens, the ‘required’ steps would be taken now after the catastrophe has hit. And this is what worries me. The Elphinstone Road over bridge is just one of the thousands of such flyovers and bridges that are in dire need of renovation. If there is one thing that the government needs to look after right now is passenger safety and handling the passenger load.

To sum it up, we want our authorities to learn from the mistakes of the past and start doing things which would do good, rather than doing things which look good. We have had enough of populism and symbolism in 70 years- it is time to move on. We would absolutely love to see Bullet Trains running swiftly on Indian land, but before that we would love to see safer railway tracks, secure over bridges, spacious and non-congested railway stations. Dreaming of the future is perfectly fine, but realizing the present situation is vital.

I want my country to achieve big things, but I know that is not going to happen unless small things fall in place….