CPI(ML) MP Sudama Prasad, speaking during the discussion on the Demands for Grants for Railways (Union Budget 2026–27) in Lok Sabha on March 16 , said that despite the Railways being the lifeline of India—serving millions of poor, toiling people and migrant workers and remaining a major source of employment—the Modi government has failed to address the most urgent concerns. He criticised the government for ignoring the pressing issues of affordable fares, availability of trains for ordinary passengers, railway safety, infrastructure development in rural and backward regions, and the large number of vacant posts that remain unfilled in the Railways.
He also called for the reinstatement of a separate Railway Budget, stressing that the Railways affect the entire country and hold immense strategic and economic importance. He argued that restoring a separate budget would ensure greater parliamentary scrutiny, accountability, and focused attention on the needs of this vital public sector.
Raising concerns over the alarming state of railway safety, he asked the government what concrete steps have been taken to strengthen safety mechanisms and to expedite the installation of the KAVACH anti-collision system across the railway network.
