Between 2004 and 2008, Indian Railways has not been able to perform to its potential. Normally, Railwaysrevenue grows by two percentage points higher than the growth of Indian economy. According to Railwaysown statistics, its revenues growth rate was two percentage points lower than the growth rate of Indian GDP in each of these four years. The main problem is a severe capacity constraint that does not allow the Railways to carry more freight even when there is demand. Freight traffic has grown by an average of over 9 percent in the last four years but in order to grow further the railways have to concentrate on infrastructure development. The central government recently set up the National Transport Development Policy Committee to suggest measures to promote greater commercial orientation of transport services in the country.The committee is chaired by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India, who earlier headed the expert group on Railways that recommended corporatisation of the railway administration in 2002. This might be the right time for the government to consider taking a second look at railway reforms. A senior officer concerned with transport infrastructure planning in the country said that the committee was likely to recommend a few measures in the direction of railway reforms and that there would soon be consultations in this regard with policy-makers and experts.This would not be a moment too soon. Railways desperately needs to grow its revenues because its expenses have shot up. Its ordinary working expenses grew by 7.3 percent in the years between 2004-05 and 2007-08, but jumped by 32 percent in the next year on account of the pay commission. A newspaper report pointed out that the railway surplus too has dwindled to Rs. 1 crore from over Rs 4,400 crore the last fiscal.The Indian Railways is at a crossroad where business as usual is not sustainable in the long run. If Railways has to be protected as the countrys growth wagon, transformation of the governance structure and augmentation of the accountability levels for delivery and performance is a must, says infrastructure expert Akhileshwar Sahay who has studied railway reforms across the world. So what can Railways do? Experts on railway restructuring around the world say that a mix of reforms done in Japan and Argentina could solve key problems. There are a couple of problem areas that need attention right away . Some of these can be solved through Japanese style reforms (for administration) while the others will need the Argentinean method (exit non-core businesses).Q. The Indian Railways is at a crossroad where business as usualjs not sustainable in the long run. implies:a)The Railways is headed for a big disaster.b)If the Railways does not undergo reforms, it will hinder the countys growth.c)If the Railways continue to function poorly, we will have to depend on other modes of public transport.d)The Railway Ministry has to reconsider the use of abundant resources for its sustainability.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Between 2004 and 2008, Indian Railways has not been able to perform to its potential. Normally, Railwaysrevenue grows by two percentage points higher than the growth of Indian economy. According to Railwaysown statistics, its revenues growth rate was two percentage points lower than the growth rate of Indian GDP in each of these four years. The main problem is a severe capacity constraint that does not allow the Railways to carry more freight even when there is demand. Freight traffic has grown by an average of over 9 percent in the last four years but in order to grow further the railways have to concentrate on infrastructure development. The central government recently set up the National Transport Development Policy Committee to suggest measures to promote greater commercial orientation of transport services in the country.The committee is chaired by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India, who earlier headed the expert group on Railways that recommended corporatisation of the railway administration in 2002. This might be the right time for the government to consider taking a second look at railway reforms. A senior officer concerned with transport infrastructure planning in the country said that the committee was likely to recommend a few measures in the direction of railway reforms and that there would soon be consultations in this regard with policy-makers and experts.This would not be a moment too soon. Railways desperately needs to grow its revenues because its expenses have shot up. Its ordinary working expenses grew by 7.3 percent in the years between 2004-05 and 2007-08, but jumped by 32 percent in the next year on account of the pay commission. A newspaper report pointed out that the railway surplus too has dwindled to Rs. 1 crore from over Rs 4,400 crore the last fiscal.The Indian Railways is at a crossroad where business as usual is not sustainable in the long run. If Railways has to be protected as the countrys growth wagon, transformation of the governance structure and augmentation of the accountability levels for delivery and performance is a must, says infrastructure expert Akhileshwar Sahay who has studied railway reforms across the world. So what can Railways do? Experts on railway restructuring around the world say that a mix of reforms done in Japan and Argentina could solve key problems. There are a couple of problem areas that need attention right away . Some of these can be solved through Japanese style reforms (for administration) while the others will need the Argentinean method (exit non-core businesses).Q. Which of the following would weaken the statement - Between 2004 and 2008, Indian Railways has not been able to perform to its potential.?a)The Indian Railways performed exceptionally well in the period of 2000-2003 which is difficult to match in the near future.b)The Indian GDP was strong in the last decade of the 20th century.c)The Indian Railways was recognized globally for its renowned railway infrastructure in 2006.d)The Indian railways are introducing new reforms from 2011 - 2020 to increase revenues and augment accountability.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Between 2004 and 2008, Indian Railways has not been able to perform to its potential. Normally, Railwaysrevenue grows by two percentage points higher than the growth of Indian economy. According to Railwaysown statistics, its revenues growth rate was two percentage points lower than the growth rate of Indian GDP in each of these four years. The main problem is a severe capacity constraint that does not allow the Railways to carry more freight even when there is demand. Freight traffic has grown by an average of over 9 percent in the last four years but in order to grow further the railways have to concentrate on infrastructure development. The central government recently set up the National Transport Development Policy Committee to suggest measures to promote greater commercial orientation of transport services in the country.The committee is chaired by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India, who earlier headed the expert group on Railways that recommended corporatisation of the railway administration in 2002. This might be the right time for the government to consider taking a second look at railway reforms. A senior officer concerned with transport infrastructure planning in the country said that the committee was likely to recommend a few measures in the direction of railway reforms and that there would soon be consultations in this regard with policy-makers and experts.This would not be a moment too soon. Railways desperately needs to grow its revenues because its expenses have shot up. Its ordinary working expenses grew by 7.3 percent in the years between 2004-05 and 2007-08, but jumped by 32 percent in the next year on account of the pay commission. A newspaper report pointed out that the railway surplus too has dwindled to Rs. 1 crore from over Rs 4,400 crore the last fiscal.The Indian Railways is at a crossroad where business as usual is not sustainable in the long run. If Railways has to be protected as the countrys growth wagon, transformation of the governance structure and augmentation of the accountability levels for delivery and performance is a must, says infrastructure expert Akhileshwar Sahay who has studied railway reforms across the world. So what can Railways do? Experts on railway restructuring around the world say that a mix of reforms done in Japan and Argentina could solve key problems. There are a couple of problem areas that need attention right away . Some of these can be solved through Japanese style reforms (for administration) while the others will need the Argentinean method (exit non-core businesses).Q. The National Transport Development Policy Committee was set up to:a)Reduce malpractices among ministers and government officials in the Railway Ministry.b)Revise the prices of tickets both local and national to increase the revenues of the Railways.c)Set foundation for complete corporatization of the Railways.d)Recommend ways in which the private sector can play a greater role in the railway administration.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Group QuestionAnswer the following question based on the information given below.Between 2004 and 2008, Indian Railways has not been able to perform to its potential. Normally, Railwaysrevenue grows by two percentage points higher than the growth of Indian economy. According to Railwaysown statistics, its revenues growth rate was two percentage points lower than the growth rate of Indian GDP in each of these four years. The main problem is a severe capacity constraint that does not allow the Railways to carry more freight even when there is demand. Freight traffic has grown by an average of over 9 percent in the last four years but in order to grow further the railways have to concentrate on infrastructure development. The central government recently set up the National Transport Development Policy Committee to suggest measures to promote greater commercial orientation of transport services in the country.The committee is chaired by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India, who earlier headed the expert group on Railways that recommended corporatisation of the railway administration in 2002. This might be the right time for the government to consider taking a second look at railway reforms. A senior officer concerned with transport infrastructure planning in the country said that the committee was likely to recommend a few measures in the direction of railway reforms and that there would soon be consultations in this regard with policy-makers and experts.This would not be a moment too soon. Railways desperately needs to grow its revenues because its expenses have shot up. Its ordinary working expenses grew by 7.3 percent in the years between 2004-05 and 2007-08, but jumped by 32 percent in the next year on account of the pay commission. A newspaper report pointed out that the railway surplus too has dwindled to Rs. 1 crore from over Rs 4,400 crore the last fiscal.The Indian Railways is at a crossroad where business as usual is not sustainable in the long run. If Railways has to be protected as the countrys growth wagon, transformation of the governance structure and augmentation of the accountability levels for delivery and performance is a must, says infrastructure expert Akhileshwar Sahay who has studied railway reforms across the world. So what can Railways do? Experts on railway restructuring around the world say that a mix of reforms done in Japan and Argentina could solve key problems. There are a couple of problem areas that need attention right away . Some of these can be solved through Japanese style reforms (for administration) while the others will need the Argentinean method (exit non-core businesses).Q. Which of the following is true according to the passage?A. The Indian Railways can learn from Japanese railway reforms.B. Between 2004 and 2008, the overall growth rate of the railway revenues was two percentage points lower than the growth rate of Indian GDP.a)Only Ab)Only Bc)Both A and Bd)Neither A nor BCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

[X] bridge is to be the World's highest rail bridge. [X] bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge over Chenab River in Kouri area, will achieve another ""engineering milestone"", Railways minister [Y] said on Twitter on Thursday.Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of [X] bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world's highest Railway bridge,"" [Y] tweeted sharing the important development.According to Railways officials, the [X] bridge is being constructed 359 metres above [X]'s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the [Z] (which has a height of 324 metre).According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, the arch closure will be complete by March 2021. ""[X] bridge is expected to be complete by year end,"" Deepak Kumar said. The railway bridge is being built to cross the deep gorge, and the main arch has a span length of 467 metres, which Indian Railways claims is the largest in the country. Once the arch is complete, viaduct and track laying work will start, learns TOI.Q. In other news, India Railways' North East Frontier zone is constructing the world's taller pier bridge over which river?a)Ijai Riverb)Barak Riverc)Subansiri Riverd)Teesta RiverCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

[X] bridge is to be the World's highest rail bridge. [X] bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge over Chenab River in Kouri area, will achieve another ""engineering milestone"", Railways minister [Y] said on Twitter on Thursday.Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of [X] bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world's highest Railway bridge,"" [Y] tweeted sharing the important development.According to Railways officials, the [X] bridge is being constructed 359 metres above [X]'s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the [Z] (which has a height of 324 metre).According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, the arch closure will be complete by March 2021. ""[X] bridge is expected to be complete by year end,"" Deepak Kumar said. The railway bridge is being built to cross the deep gorge, and the main arch has a span length of 467 metres, which Indian Railways claims is the largest in the country. Once the arch is complete, viaduct and track laying work will start, learns TOI.Q. Who is the current Railway Minister, [Y]?a)NitinGadkarib)Ravi Shankar Prasadc)DharmendraPradhand)PiyushGoyalCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

[X] bridge is to be the World's highest rail bridge. [X] bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge over Chenab River in Kouri area, will achieve another ""engineering milestone"", Railways minister [Y] said on Twitter on Thursday.Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of [X] bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world's highest Railway bridge,"" [Y] tweeted sharing the important development.According to Railways officials, the [X] bridge is being constructed 359 metres above [X]'s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the [Z] (which has a height of 324 metre).According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, the arch closure will be complete by March 2021. ""[X] bridge is expected to be complete by year end,"" Deepak Kumar said. The railway bridge is being built to cross the deep gorge, and the main arch has a span length of 467 metres, which Indian Railways claims is the largest in the country. Once the arch is complete, viaduct and track laying work will start, learns TOI.Q. Who is the CEO of the Railway Board?a)V K Yadavb)Suneet Sharmac)AshwaniLohanid)Rajnish KumarCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

[X] bridge is to be the World's highest rail bridge. [X] bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge over Chenab River in Kouri area, will achieve another ""engineering milestone"", Railways minister [Y] said on Twitter on Thursday.Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of [X] bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world's highest Railway bridge,"" [Y] tweeted sharing the important development.According to Railways officials, the [X] bridge is being constructed 359 metres above [X]'s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the [Z] (which has a height of 324 metre).According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, the arch closure will be complete by March 2021. ""[X] bridge is expected to be complete by year end,"" Deepak Kumar said. The railway bridge is being built to cross the deep gorge, and the main arch has a span length of 467 metres, which Indian Railways claims is the largest in the country. Once the arch is complete, viaduct and track laying work will start, learns TOI.Q. Name the bridge [X], which has been redacted from the passage.a)AnjiKhand Bridgeb)Chenab Bridgec)Anjikhad Railway Bridged)Piplaldal Bridge Bhilangana River BridgeCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Which Indian Railway station was ranked as India's cleanest as per the report released by the Ministry of Railways in August 2018?a)Jaipur Railway Stationb)Jodhpur Railway Stationc)Chennai Railway Stationd)Udaipur Railway StationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

________________ is a security force of India entrusted with protecting railway passengers, passenger area and railway property of the Indian Railwaysa)Railway Indian Guardsb)Railway Police Associationc)Railway Police Forced)Railway Armed ForceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which railway zone became Unmanned Level Crossing (UMLC) Free Zone, eliminating over 1,000 such level crossings?a)Eastern Railwaysb)Central Railwaysc)Southern Railwaysd)Northern RailwaysCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which railway zone has planned to install 'panic buttons' in its railway coaches?a)Northen Railwayb)Southern Railwayc)North Eastern Railwayd)Konkan RailwaysCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

[X] bridge is to be the World's highest rail bridge. [X] bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge over Chenab River in Kouri area, will achieve another ""engineering milestone"", Railways minister [Y] said on Twitter on Thursday.Infrastructural Marvel in Making: Indian Railways is well on track to achieve another engineering milestone with the steel arch of [X] bridge reaching at closure position. It is all set to be the world's highest Railway bridge,"" [Y] tweeted sharing the important development.According to Railways officials, the [X] bridge is being constructed 359 metres above [X]'s river bed and will be 35 metres taller than the [Z] (which has a height of 324 metre).According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, the arch closure will be complete by March 2021. ""[X] bridge is expected to be complete by year end,"" Deepak Kumar said. The railway bridge is being built to cross the deep gorge, and the main arch has a span length of 467 metres, which Indian Railways claims is the largest in the country. Once the arch is complete, viaduct and track laying work will start, learns TOI.Q. Which monument [Z] has been redacted from the passage?a)Statue of Unityb)Statue of Libertyc)Eiffel Towerd)Gateway ArchCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which of the following railway stations is the first in Indian Railways to get ISO certification from National Green Tribunal (NGT)?a)Muzaffarpur railway stationb)Guwahati railway stationc)Rewari railway stationd)Bodh Gaya railway stationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Train runs on railway tracks, so they are called:a)Railways b)Airwaysc)Waterways d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Which section of Railways has completed 100 per cent electrification across the zone?a)Konkan Railwayb)North East Frontier Railwayc)East Coast Railwayd)South Central RailwayCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Which of the following zones of Indian Railways is the largest?a)Central Railwayb)Northern Railwayc)Eastern Railwayd)Western RailwayCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Recently, India has signed an agreement with Japan on enhancing railway safety in the Indian Railways. Consider the following statements regarding the Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan:I. India signed an agreement with Japan last week on enhancing railway safety inthe Indian Railways with focus on railway track and rolling stock safety.II. The areas of cooperation include rail inspection, rail wielding and providing automatic railway track safety inspection, maintenance of rolling stock.Q. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?a)Only Ib)Only IIc)Both I and IId)Neither I nor IICorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which zone of Railways has become the first in Indian Railways to portray a heritage gallery of the printing and allied machines ?a)Northern Railway (NR)b)Central Railways (CR)c)Western Railways (WR)d)Southern Railways (SR)e)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which mission has been launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Western Railways zone of Indian Railways to make it easier for railway passengers to get back their lost luggage?a)Mission Vatsalyab)Mission Jai hoc)Mission Amanatd)Mission ShaktiCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Which section of Railways has completed 100 per cent electrification across the zone?a)Konkan Railwayb)North East Frontier Railwayc)East Coast Railwayd)South Central RailwayCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?