The Congress has strongly opposed the government’s decision to invite private players to run trains, suspecting this to be the beginning of the privatisation of the Indian Railways.

Responding to the railway ministry’s proposal for 109 routes, the Congress argued that such critical decisions in the midst of a pandemic, and that too without parliamentary approval, was inexplicable and amounted to squandering national resources.

The government as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi have in the past categorically rejected the possibility of privatising the railways.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday morning: “Railway is the sole lifeline for the poor. This government is snatching it from them. Let them snatch whatever they want. But remember, the people of the country will give a befitting reply.”

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi later said: “How can such decisions be taken in the midst of the corona (pandemic)? Parliament could have been called to debate the issue. Forget approval, not even a resolution has been passed for this policy shift in Parliament.

“Last time, the railway minister had categorically told Parliament that the railways would not be privatised. We know they will camouflage this by talking of PPP (public-private partnership) but how can this be done without discussing with stakeholders?”

Pointing to the value of the Indian Railways, Singhvi said: “Is this the time for inviting bids, in the midst of a crisis? Where is the animal spirit for investments? This is like squandering resources. The railways employ 1.5 crore people; 2.5 crore passengers travel every day. This is the single largest network in India. You want to decimate it? Why this mad hurry?”

The Congress leadership sees a design in the government’s approach as it is using the pandemic-induced lockdown to push through controversial decisions to avoid a public backlash.

The railways have strong unions and the majority of political parties are opposed to the privatisation of India’s vast rail network, which acts as the primary mode of transport for crores of people. The entry of private players will not only lead to retrenchments, but also push the fares up in the name of better services, many believe.

Coal mining was privatised last month. Although the Congress opposed that decision as well, the party has not been able to hit the streets to mobilise public opinion against such decisions because of restrictions on gatherings in view of the pandemic.