A Study on The Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Railways During the COVID-19

ABSTRACT

This paper analyzed the challenges and opportunities experienced by Indian railways during the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigated the possible approaches to face the ‘‘new normal.’’ In its history of 167 years, the pandemic had, for the first time, forced Indian Railways to shut down its passenger services. The national transportation lifeline, which ferries almost eight billion passengers daily in with over 13,500 trains, was suspended as part of government directives to stall public transportation to contain the spread of COVID-19. This study probed on how efficiently disaster management planning of the Indian railways had helped it to fight the battle and maintain its operational and financial performance. Though the passenger trains were brought to a halt in the initial lockdown period, freight services were functional, carrying out essential duties and medical aid during the lockdown. The railways had successfully distributed various essential food, medical, and emergency goods, including PPE kits both for the medical warriors and for the general public at large during the challenging times. The study analysed the effectiveness of control measures such as lockdown, the use of masks, sanitization, and social distancing for railway authorities as well as passengers. This study also proved that the new resilient paradigm of mobility must be developed in order to withstand sudden disruptions in India. In particular, it highlights new avenues for research which can play an essential role in enhancing rail competitiveness and resilience within future crises.

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