Depoliticizing Railways:

• Ashwini Vaishnav commends Prime Minister Modi for shifting the focus of the Indian railways away from political agendas and towards effective management and development.
• Previously, railway decisions might have been influenced more by politics than by what was best for the railway system and the people who use it.
• This change means that decisions about the railways are now more about improving services, infrastructure, and efficiency rather than serving political interests.
  

Significant Achievements:

• One major accomplishment under Modi’s leadership is the extensive electrification of railway lines across almost all states in India.
• Electrification is beneficial because it’s cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and often more cost-effective than using diesel or other fuels.
• Another achievement highlighted is the construction of approximately 300 kilometers of new railway tracks annually. This expansion enhances connectivity and accessibility for people across the country.
  

Impact of Modi’s Leadership:

• Vaishnav emphasizes that Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister has brought about substantial positive changes in the functioning and efficiency of Indian Railways.
• They mention the introduction of special trains like Vande Bharat, designed to provide a better travel experience, particularly for the middle class and youth.
• This indicates a shift towards modernizing and improving services to meet the evolving needs and expectations of passengers.
  

Contrast with Previous Administration:

• Before Modi’s leadership, the railways may have been used more as a tool for political gain rather than for genuine development and improvement.
• The speaker uses the metaphor of treating the railways like a “milking cow” to suggest that they were exploited for short-term gains rather than being nurtured for long-term growth.
• The implication is that under Modi, there has been a departure from this exploitative approach towards a more strategic and forward-thinking approach to railway management.

In essence, Ashwini Vaishnav is praising Prime Minister Modi for his efforts to modernize and improve the Indian railway system, highlighting the shift away from political maneuvering towards practical development and efficiency. This shift is seen as a positive step towards creating a more effective and reliable railway network for the benefit of all citizens.