Aaratrica Kashyap and Shefali Sharan | December 2024
Historically when Railways was introduced to India under the Colonial rule, it was governed as a part of the Public Works Department (PWD)
In 1890, for the first time, the Indian Railways Act came into existence. It was a significant piece of legislation enacted during British rule in India as it was the primary legal framework for the establishment, operation, and regulation of railways in colonial India.
This was followed by the Indian Railway Board Act, 19052 to establish a central authority to manage and control the Indian railways. This Board is responsible for the overall management of the railways in India. Currently the Chairman of the Board of Railways reports to the Minister of Railways.
The Railways Act, 19893 was introduced repealing the Indian Railways Act, 1890. This led to a consolidation of laws related to railways in India: governance, railway operations, safety, passenger services, penalties for violations, and the powers of railway authorities. This Act became the backbone for the modern functioning of Indian Railways.
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 9, 2024. Currently, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 20244 seeks to update provisions in the Railways Act of 1989. The Bill seeks to repeal the Railway Board Act, 1905 and bring the Board of Railways under the Railways Act of 1989.