Instagram reels will not help: Opposition slams govt, says 'failed' rail budget off track

The opposition on Monday criticized the Railways Ministry in the Lok Sabha, stating that creating Instagram reels would not address the issues faced by the public behemoth, which they claimed is on a "ventilator" due to poor management by the government.

During the debate on the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways for 2025-26, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad dismissed claims that the rail budget was "record-breaking," calling it a "failed budget."

She accused the government of pushing a narrative that all development began after 2014, but argued that "the devil lies in the details," pointing out that the Railways' financial condition remains weak and is effectively on "ventilator support."


Gaikwad alleged that the Railways' revenues were falling and criticized the government’s focus on social media promotion, stating that making Instagram reels would not improve the situation. She remarked that despite being the sole participant in the race, the Railways was still finishing second.

Expressing concerns about privatization, Gaikwad questioned if the Railways, like other profitable public entities, would also end up with the ruling party's "friends" (mitra).

She further alleged that the 'Kavach' safety system, designed to prevent accidents, was being misused by the minister for personal image protection rather than ensuring passenger safety. She criticized the minister for remaining in office despite multiple rail accidents under his watch.

Trinamool Congress MP Shatabdi Roy also participated in the debate, stating that no amount of compensation could bring back those who lost their lives in rail accidents. She criticized the imposition of cancellation charges on tickets, calling it "torture" for passengers.

Roy further claimed that while passengers in high-end trains were being served 'biryani,' those traveling in ordinary trains — who rely on 'dal-chawal' — were deprived of even basic amenities.

Samajwadi Party MP Lalji Verma alleged that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had not increased the budget for improving passenger facilities. He stressed the need for better station infrastructure and improved train punctuality.

With inputs from PTI