Agnipath Protests Cause Railways Losses Of Over Rs 1,000 Crore, Highest In A Decade

According to the officials, building one general coach costs Rs 80 lakh, while a sleeper coach costs Rs 1.25 crore.

New Delhi: Amid the massive protests in several parts of the country against the recently launched Military Recruitment scheme (Agnipath Scheme), railway properties have been vandalized, torched, or attacked from Bihar to Telangana. Indian Railways has so far incurred losses of over Rs 1,000 crore, including damage and reimbursement to passengers for ticket cancellations in the past few days.

The protesters damaged railway property and torched dozens of trains. Earlier on June 18, the Railways had stated that it had suffered a loss of more than Rs 700 crore in just four days of protests. Furthermore, according to railway officials, more than 60 crore passenger tickets have been canceled.

The railway has not incurred as much property damage in a decade as it has incurred in the past few days. So far, Indian Railways has suffered losses that are higher than the total losses incurred during the last ten years.

According to the officials, building one general coach costs Rs 80 lakh, while a sleeper coach and an AC coach cost Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 3.5 crore per unit, respectively. To build one rail engine the government has to spend upwards of Rs 20 crore. The 12-coach passenger train costs over Rs 40 crore and the 24-coach train costs upwards of Rs 70 crore.

Whether it is a protest or an agitation in the country, railway properties are often subjected to destruction. Earlier in January this year, candidates had protested against the results of the RRB-NTPC exam. Whether it is a protest or a movement in the country, railway properties are often subjected to destruction. Earlier in January this year, candidates had protested against the results of the RRB-NTPC exam.

According to the data received from the Ministry of Railways, in 2020-21, the Railways suffered a loss of more than Rs 467.20 crore due to the deteriorating law and order situation and protests. In 2019-20, it had suffered a loss of around Rs 100 crore.

Damage to railway property is a criminal offense and people can be punished with imprisonment of up to 5 years. A provision has been made for punishment for this in Section 151 of the Railways Act, 1989. Section 151 says that if any person willfully causes damage to any railway property by setting it on fire, using explosives, or by any means, he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with a fine, or with both.

 Railway tracks, bridges, station buildings, carriages, locomotives, signal systems, telecommunication systems, electric traction, and block devices are the assets of the railways. Apart from these, all the properties of the central government, the loss of which can cause problems in the operation of railways, will also be considered railway property.

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