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On, OoruLabs, India's premier urban issues podcast, Sathya Sankaran, Host of OoruLabs talks to Sharif Qamar of The Energy and Resources Institute, TERI on Indian Railways, it progress and potential opportunities for becoming a transportation powerhouse.

The conversation discusses the challenges and potential reforms needed for the Indian Railways to play a larger role in the country's economic growth and achieve its net-zero commitments. It explores the profitability of the freight segment compared to the passenger segment, the need for efficient last-mile connectivity, and the potential for private players in the railway cargo space. The conversation also touches upon the need for infrastructure reforms, the importance of social obligations in passenger transportation, and the possibility of separating the infrastructure and operations of the railways.

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Keywords

Indian Railways, freight segment, passenger segment, last-mile connectivity, private players, infrastructure reforms, social obligations, separating infrastructure and operations

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Takeaways

The freight segment of the Indian Railways is profitable, while the passenger segment makes large losses.

Efficient last-mile connectivity and streamlining cargo operations are crucial for the railways to compete with other modes of transportation.

Infrastructure reforms and the involvement of private players can help improve the efficiency and quality of railway services.

The railways have social obligations and play a vital role in providing affordable transportation for the masses.

Separating the infrastructure and operations of the railways could potentially lead to more efficiency and optimization.

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Sound Bites

"What ails Indian railways and its plans?"

"Is railways prepared? I mean, they are doing what they are doing. But are they ready?"

"Railways is four times more efficient in terms of emissions compared to road trucks."

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction: Challenges and Potential Reforms for Indian Railways

08:33 The Importance of Last-Mile Connectivity

31:04 The Social Obligations of Indian Railways

38:37 Separating Infrastructure and Operations for Efficiency

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Stock video and picture credits to various contributors Pexels. All rights belong to respective owners.

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