Time for Reset – Part-1

The current government is in its second term and has provided significant financial support to Indian Railways over the past ten years

The #KMG group deceived four ministers of the government, leading to a state of despair in the railways

The new government in 2014 pledged to rectify the situation and bring the railways back on track

The #KMG group was unfortunately fueled by the monetary support provided by the government

It is important to analyze the mistakes made and take necessary measures to move forward

Input from individuals who truly understand and are passionate about railways has been gathered to address the issues

Despite significant investments, the government has failed to achieve the desired returns and electoral benefits

The government needs to identify the reasons for the lack of success and find effective solutions to improve the situation

#Railwhispers present a two part article to capture the need to reset and what should be done

In 2014, a visionary leadership emerged in the country, which recognized the transformative potential of Indian Railways in moribund Indian Economy. They aimed to bring about significant changes to a system that had become stagnant and worked like an #Old_Boys Association, more focused on clubs and parties than #efficient and #safe operations.

However, this new #leadership was unaware of the manipulation tactics employed by the Rail cabal, later referred to as the Khan Market Gang (#KMG) of Indian Railways. Led by #SudheerKumar and his gang, they quickly understood the desires of the #government and exploited them to their advantage.

KMG’s Pincer Attack

The #KMG, under the guise of seniority, manipulated the #selection process for the Chairman Railway Board (#CRB). #AKMital, who lacked any #operating experience, was chosen and needed officers who would support him and enhance his standing within the government. This created an opportunity for Sudheer Kumar from #Electrical and #SushantKumarMisra, a #Traffic Officer, to join the #board along with their own people. The names behind #IRMS, #NaveenKumar and #JeetendraKumar, had previously worked under #Mital and were brought in as well, further solidifying Sudheer Kumar’s influence.

Since 2006-07, #SudheerKumar had been unsuccessful in promoting #Lalu’s favoured initiatives, which were intended to be implemented as public-private partnership (#PPP) projects benefiting #LaluYadav family’s electoral prospects in their constituencies. It is important to note that #Lalu was a #Minister and #RabriDevi was Bihar’s Chief Minister. Still, Sudheer Kumar was unable to make progress with these projects, given their inherent flaws.

Recognising the #enthusiasm of the new government to attract #foreign investment and the presence of a fresh group of senior officials, Sudheer Kumar took advantage of this opportunity and successfully advocated for projects like #Madhepura and #Marowrah.

As anticipated, these projects, however, have finally proven to be hugely problematic. The 12,000 hp electric locomotive in Madhepura has underperformed, delivering 30% less haulage compared to the 12,000 hp #CLW solution. Additionally, it is also whopping Rs 12 crore more expensive per unit. Despite Indian Railways’ decision to move towards complete electrification, they are still obligated to annually purchase 100 diesel locomotives from Marowrah due to the way #contracts were structured. This decision has led to the shutdown of IR’s own diesel locomotive factories and its wide #vendor base, resulting in an estimated cost of over Rs 50,000 crore over the lifespan of these locomotives. Not to mention thousands of diesels idling and wasted while it continues to shell out nearly Rs 1,500 crore per year to Marowrah factory.

In addition to these questionable projects, Sudheer Kumar established a #Transformation Directorate under his control, reporting directly to the Chairman and possessing independent financial powers. This created a parallel #RailwayBoard, further consolidating his authority.

Sudheer Kumar had experienced success in his career, but he was unable to advance to the position of #GeneralManager and subsequently became a #Member due to his lower position in his batch. As retirement approached, this was a significant blow to him. He had carefully strategised his path with the support of his superiors and the #industry. He was known for his exceptional ability to read the winds accurately. Sudheer skilfully manoeuvred the system, downgrading the performance appraisals of his fellow batchmates so discreetly that many of them only realised the #damage much later and had to face difficulties in rectifying it.

But the destiny showed him place.

Sudheer Kumar Rebooted!

After retiring in June 2020, railway employees breathed a sigh of relief. However, the damage had already been done with the implementation of #IRMS and the approval by misrepresnting to the #cabinet that there would not be disruption in railways’s operations. Despite this, the man managed to secure a #contract for his #PhD guide for conducting an so-called #emotional intelligence test for all senior officers of #IndianRailways. Nevertheless, after nearly two decades, he was finally out of the #railbhawan.

Then, a new #Minister arrived – a #corporate executive and #businessman who had previously served in the #IAS for few years. Having worked with #Sudheer as a #vendor during his time at #GeneralElectric’s Indian Unit, the minister knew that Sudheer Kumar possessed the necessary skills to navigate the rail #bureaucracy through deception if necessary-after all he had bluffed the system to execute two greenfield locomotive factories in Bihar. Shortly after assuming office, the minister appointed #SudheerKumar as his #Advisor to assist him in managing the #net_zero project.

Within a short period of time after his arrival, Sudheer Kumar quickly asserted his authority by orchestrating key transfers. He was responsible for forcing #Rahul Jain, a member of the Railway Board, to take leave and for abruptly transferring #VinaySrivastava, who was in charge of #Trainsets. Vinay Srivastava held the position of #OSD to #PrakashJavdekar and was a well-connected officer. The message was unmistakable when such a powerful #ED was sized up and his boss, #RahulJain, was forced to take leave. The new minister’s team demanded complete submission and were willing to go to any lengths to suppress officers who were deemed inconvenient. #Vigilance was unleashed. Upright officers were suddenly replying to #chargesheets and found themselves on #secret-list.

Rebooted Sudheer Kumar had finally risen from ashes. #Resurrection if you may call it-possessing the dark powers to extract vengeance.

Stage Set for Perfect Storm

Part-2 of the #article discusses how #toxic were last few years in #IndianRailways.. to be continue..