The end of an era ?

[Eric CoxParticipant @ericcox50497]

[Eric CoxParticipant @ericcox50497]

Politics has a lot to answer for

bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32995131

[Brian OldfordParticipant @brianoldford70365]

It says a lot but just don't get me started on the politics of our UK home railways.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

An interesting take on those Indian railways which are a source of steam tv programs

Basically, instead of a Beechings style cuts program and the political fallout that this would entail they are letting certain lines and rolling stock literally fall to bits

oops. dubble link posted

Edited By Ady1 on 07/06/2015 11:29:03

[Ketan SwaliParticipant @ketanswali79440]

I believe that the situation is more complex than presented in the BBC's very simplistic reporting on the subject.

Politics plays a 25% part, the balance represented by the views of private enterprise who want to invest – but for a profit; the railway workers who have a job for life with reasonable pension according to Indian standards, even if the railways run or not; and the masses of users who demand that the travel costs be kept at levels which are so low that they are well and truly subsidised by the Government, in-turn the tax payer.

Each one of the above elements would need to be handled with extreme care, which is difficult. Mr.Banarjee would need to demonstrate how he could deal with all of the above issues in a manner which would satisfy all concerned. Just to say that he can put in the investment and bring in the tourism are simple comment for him and others to make.

The Indian Railways are a heritage of India, just like any railway is part of that countries heritage. Yes it is a pity that parts of it are in a poor state, but it needs major rethinking by all elements, rather than one element alone.

Ketan.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I can imagine that turning it into a tourist railway would probably raise fares above those that the real users can afford.

The railway is a UNESCO world Heritage Site (like the Pyramids, Taj Mahal and the Three Graces in Liverpool Dock) so in theory it should have some protection.

Neil

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