Bill Summary

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 9, 2024.  The Bill seeks to repeal the Railway Board Act, 1905.  The 1905 Act provides for the constitution of the Railway Board to administer Indian Railways, which is a departmental undertaking of the central government.  The Bill seeks to incorporate provisions regarding the Railway Board into the Railways Act, 1989.  The 1989 Act provides the legal framework for railways in the country.  The Statement of Objects and Reasons to the Bill noted that this will eliminate the need to refer to two laws.

• Constitution of Railway Board:  The 1905 Act provides that the central government may invest powers and functions of the government in the Railway Board with respect to any or all railways.  This may be done through a notification.  The Bill incorporates these provisions into the 1989 Act.  It adds that the central government will prescribe: (i) number of members of the Board, and (ii) qualification, experience, and terms and conditions of service, and manner of appointment for the Chairman and members of the Board.  It also adds that the Board will be provided with a secretary, and officers and employees, as necessary.