LS clears railways bill; Vaishnaw says won't lead to privatisation

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, a legislation that Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured would not lead to privatisation of the network.

- HT Correspondent

The bill was passed by a voice vote after a debate in the Lower House. The legislation aims to grant statutory powers to the Railway Board and bring key structural changes in the administration of the mass transporter, which is the largest provider of formal employment in India.

In his response during a debate on the bill, Vaishnaw said that a "fake narrative" was created about the amendment leading to the privatisation of Indian Railways.

"A few members have said the bill will lead to privatisation of railways. An attempt has been made to set a fake narrative. I want to appeal to them with all sincerity to not do this. Their one fake narrative about the Constitution has already failed," Vaishnaw told the House.