The Railway budget announced yesterday evoked much debate and analysis, as expected. Predictably, it will bring forth mixed reactions — while there will be general cheer that fares have stayed the same, others are going to scoff at the announcement of new trains and a slew of infrastructure to boost rail travel.

But the cynics also need to realise we are all part of the overall system. The government handles the larger picture — formulating policies, presenting the budget, deciding fares and announcing new projects. People, though, need to play their part and respect public infrastructure. Train compartments have rubbish, leftover food, paper and plastics strewn all over, as people don’t bother to wait until they alight and then use the trash bins on platforms. Vandalism is common. We see compartments plastered with stickers of self-styled godmen, touting bogus cures, telephone numbers, goods to be sold and assorted trivia. Despite warnings, commuters continue to run across tracks, even if a foot over bridge is just a small distance away. So many deaths have proved no deterrent to this crime. Add to this, rooftop travel, hanging out of compartments and trying stunts in trains — all certain invitations to death.