Now that the discussions on Rakesh Mohan Committee have reached a feverish pitch, let me share the status of other Railway Systems, as brought out by the International Railway Gazette.

• Amtrak Reform Council set up in November 1997 has suggested that the Corporation should be split into an operating business and a federally owned infrastructure Company (emphasis mine). There would be a new Government agency to oversee the two, combining the passenger rail supervisory functions of existing organisation. Despite renewed attempts to emulate the private sector, Amtrak is still far from the goal of reaching financial independence by 2003 – ‘Comment’ – May 2001.

• In the wake of two weeks of industrial action by drivers of French National Railways, SNCF President Louis Gallois had agreed to postpone further restructuring of SNCF along commercial lines. The "Cap Clients" programme, which should have been rolled out from spring 2002, will now be opened up for debate. Cap clients is perceived by some as the first step towards break-up and privatisation of SNCF - ‘Comment’ – May 2001.

• German Railways have been advised by McKinsey, who had done a study, to embark upon huge cuts in passenger and freight services in an attempt to avoid massive financial losses in the next few years. DB Chairman Hartmut Mehdorn emphasised that DB, like any other responsible organisation must withdraw from loss- making activities and optimise its services for the benefit of customer. Several cost-cutting exercises are slated for implementation. Lavish provision of track, sidings, yards, etc., is proposed to be reviewed and uneconomic tracks taken out of use. Despite the renewed emphasis on cost-cutting, DB plans to spend DM30bn in the next three years on network upgrading to lift 330 temporary speed restrictions in force. - ‘Comment’ – June 2001.