New Delhi [India], February 22 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Indian Railways serve as the backbone of travel for millions of Indians and require rapid efforts to make it more "modern, secure and efficient."
"Railways need to be developed as a strong pillar of production and economy rather than just a means of travel," said the Congress leader while engaging with officials and employees at the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli.
Acknowledging the tireless work of engineers and technicians, he emphasised the potential of India's domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi posted, "During the interaction with the officials and employees of Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli yesterday, an important question arose---Is our Railways, the backbone of travel for crores of Indians, really ready for the 21st century?"
"Considering the current needs, rapid efforts must be made to make it more modern, secure and efficient. Railways need to be developed as a strong pillar of production and economy rather than just a means of travel," he said.
His post read, "Instead of relying on foreign machinery, manufacturing, and innovation, our goal should be to strengthen a completely localised production system."
"Our engineers and technicians work day and night. If their hard work is channelised and concrete steps are taken as per the need of the hour, then railways can play an important role in transportation and strengthening our economy," it added.
Earlier in the day, the Congress party took a dig at the Modi government over issues in the aviation and railway sectors, quoting former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's complaint about discomfort on an Air India flight.
In a post on X, Congress alleged that passengers continue to face troubles across different modes of transport, but there is no resolution.
"Passengers are troubled in trains, and passengers are distressed on planes. People keep complaining and keep making videos, but there is no hearing. Now, since Shivraj ji has a problem, he is tweeting--maybe action will be taken on this," the party wrote.
Taking aim at the government, Congress further stated, "But the situation is not going to improve, because any system is fixed from the top. And on top of that, there is no time to beat the drum of 'sab changa si'. People suffer."
The remarks come after Shivraj Singh Chouhan raised concerns over Air India's services, questioning the airline's management for faulty seats.