On Track for The Future Script

Setting
(Slide 1) The lights are on and The Passengers are introduced as Group 10. The Title of
their Presentation is revealed.

Tanay-: Good afternoon. Today we the members of Group 10, titled The Passengers, shall be
conducting an interactive, multimedia presentation disguised as a theatrical production, on
The Indian Railways as a Sunrise Sector (Slide 2); with Case Studies incorporated as
stories. (Slide 3) Our Presentation has been titled “On Track for The Future: The Sun
Never Sets on The Indian Railways”. We, The Passengers…

(Slide 4)
Ujjawal-: Ujjawal Patel as Vintage Velocity; an old-Timer train.

Swapnil-: Swapnil Mishra as Voracious Vande; a sleek, new Vande Bharat.

Nitin-: Nitin Upadhyay as Confident Cargo; a new-gen Cargo Train.

Suyash-: Suyash Dixit as Brilliant Bullet; a modern Bullet Train.

Tanay-: And, yours truly, Tanay Manglani as The Conductor; aka The Narrator shall take you
along this fantastic journey. We are here to ask just one question. Make sure you have your
tickets ready and enjoy the ride.

The lights go off and The Projector is turned on. Apart from The Conductor, the members
take their places.

Act I – Act I slide on the screen. We begin with The Conductor being the only person on
the Stage. There are 4 chairs arranged behind him in a semi-circle. The Projector screen then
shows a Role-play Presentation by The Conductor. When he starts speaking however, he is
interrupted by a train, who he asks to sit down on the chair behind him. The Projector has
been turned off and the lights come on. This happens three more times. Eventually, the
trains start arguing and he asks them for their stories. The lights go off and the Projector
turns back on, showing the End of Act I Slide.

Act I
(Slide 5)
The Conductor is the only Person on stage. The lights are off and The Projector screen shows
the first slide of a Role-play Presentation on Railways by The Conductor.
 On Track for The Future Script
The Conductor-: A great Afternoon to my lovely audience. (Slide 6)
I am The Conductor and I hope you’re all excited for today, but then again, I know you
probably aren’t. I got “Railways” as a topic. Can you believe that? Who even cares a bit
about the Railways in this day and age? I know I don’t. But what can you do when Life gives
you lemons? So here goes-: We shall all waste our time together talking about a sector with
no appeal, that no one cares about apart from maybe trying for a government job, and that
shall surely be obsolete very soon.

The Indian Railways have a long and complicated history ---

(Sound of a train arriving)

The Conductor-: What’s that? Do you hear something?

Vintage Velocity hobbles on-stage.

The Conductor-: Uh… Grandpa? Are you lost?

(Screen goes dark.)

Vintage Velocity-: Who do you think you’re calling Grandpa, young man? I’ll have you know
I can drag you across the country a thousand times over. I am the Prince of The Golden Age
of the Indian Railways and I’m… (Coughing sounds).

The Conductor-: Well whatever it is, I’m sure it can wait a bit. Sit down before you fall over
please. As I was saying, The Indian Railways have a long and---

(Music plays).

The Conductor-: Do you hear that?

Vigorous Vande comes on-stage.

The Conductor-: Oh. Are you looking for your grandpa?

Vigorous Vande-: What? I’m not looking for anyone. I’m the pride and joy of the Indian
Railways, a brand new Vande Bharat. I’m in a bit of a hurry, so I’ll get right to the point. I’m
here to talk about---

The Conductor-: Nope. I’ll be doing all the talking here. If you want, you can take a seat and
wait your turn.

Vigorous Vande sits.

The Conductor-: Now, where was I? Oh, right. The Indian Railways have a long---
 On Track for The Future Script
(Music plays).

Confident Cargo enters.

The Conductor-: Another one? What do you want?

Confident Cargo-: Me? I’m the lifeblood of the Indian Economy. A sleek, modern cargo
Train. I’m here to talk about---

The Conductor-: Nope. No more talking. The Indian Railways---

(Music plays).

Brilliant Bullet enters.

The Conductor-: What did I do wrong? They just keep popping up. This place is almost as
crowded as a…, as a.., as a RAILWAY STATION at this point. Who on Earth are you supposed
to be?

Brilliant Bullet-: I’m Brilliant Bullet. The product of the labours of Japanese scientists---

The Conductor-: Oh! Japanese! Konnichiwa! Hajimemashite! Dozo yoroshiku onegai

shimasu!

Brilliant Bullet-: Kya? Bhai scientists Japanese the. Main nahi. Main Indian hi hun.

The Conductor-: (Disappointed) Oh. Well, that’s alright I guess. That still doesn’t explain why
you’re all here though. Shouldn’t you be off rusting on a platform, or having someone spit
paan out of your windows, or something? (All gasp) It’s bad enough that I have to give a
presentation on a more or less obsolete---

Vintage Velocity-: OBSOLETE! We’re nowhere near obsolete! (Coughs).

Vigorous Vande-: Yeah. I’ll have you know that we’re still the engines of the Nation’s
progress.

Confident Cargo-: We’re the ones keeping its growth on track.

Brilliant Bullet-: We’re the ones carrying it along into a brighter and better future.

The Conductor-: Really?

ALL-: YES!!!

The Conductor-: Well… If you feel so strongly about it… I’ll let you speak. Maybe that’s what
this presentation needs after all. Some perspective, some information, some life (coughing
sounds). Well, a little bit of life anyway.
 On Track for The Future Script
But if we’re doing this, we have to do it my way. Everyone gets their turn.

So… Lights! (lights go off), Camera! (Projector turns back on) Action! (The slide changes)

(Slide 7)
END OF ACT I

(Slide 8)

Act II
Scene I
The Conductor-: Why don’t we start with you Grandpa?

Vintage Velocity-: On one condition.

The Conductor-: What?

Vintage Velocity-: Don’t call me Grandpa again. (Coughs).

The Conductor-: Fine. Go on.

(Slide 9)
Vintage Velocity-: Get ready to take a hilarious trip down memory lane as I present to you
the one and only old school train in India! That’s me! Vintage Velocity! Chugga chugga choo
choo! Unlike those speedy newcomers, I might not break any speed records, but I do have a
charm that's as timeless as a classic Bollywood movie. Picture this: wooden benches that
massage your back as we go over the tracks, a gentle sway that'll put you to sleep faster
than counting sheep, and windows that have seen more sunsets than your grandma's
stories---

The Conductor-: Get to the point Grandpa!

Vintage Velocity-: While these fancy newcomers are racing to the future, remember,
sometimes it's the slow and steady that wins the nostalgic hearts of the past!

Once upon a time, in the land of spices, saris, and samosas, the concept of trains was about
as foreign as a snowstorm in the Sahara. India had its bustling bazaars, grand palaces, and
vibrant culture, but it lacked the swiftness of modern transportation. That was until 1853,
when the first train snorted its way into the history books.
 On Track for The Future Script
Imagine the awe and wonder as people boarded these marvels of engineering. It was like
trying to fit a herd of elephants into a phone booth – comical, yet oddly impressive. And so,
the Indian railway adventure began, with trains like me leading the way.

The Conductor-: And eventually you became obsolete, right? Just like I said?

Vintage Velocity-: Well… yes. But you cannot ignore what I did. (Slide 10)
From a 34 kilometre ride in 1853, to 126,366 kilometres of coverage in 2023- I’ve seen it all.

(Slide 11)
I heralded a new age and revolutionized all trade. I allowed people to travel in a way India
had never before experienced. I paved the way for all the industrialization that allowed the
rest of you to be created in the first place. My might transformed the nation! I allowed the
various cultures of our country to meet and mix and thus created entirely novel forms of
cultural exchange. (Slide 12)
Even today, I am a cultural icon.

(Slide 13)
I brought about some ease in the administration of our vast and varied land. I boosted
education by facilitating the movement of books, newspapers, and scholars, making it easier for
educational institutions to access resources and disseminate knowledge. I helped modernize
agriculture and led to increased agricultural production by providing farmers with access to wider
markets and command better prices for their goods.

Going from THIS (Slide 14) (points to screen),

To THIS (Slide 15) (points to screen);

Has all been because of THIS (Slide 16) (points to screen).

(Slide 17) I am the Foundation of India’s growth.

(Vintage Velocity sits.)

END OF SCENE I

(Slide 18)
 On Track for The Future Script
Scene II
The Conductor-: Woah. That’s all news to me. Thank you for your service, Grandpa.

Now, what about you?

Vigorous Vande-: Me?

The Conductor-: Yep. You heard the old guy, it’s now time for you to tell your story.

Vigorous Vande-: I don’t have time to get into all that. I’m gonna be late.

The Conductor-: You’ve just been standing around this whole time. Besides, if you’re still
“the engine of the nation’s progress”, you should tell us how.

Vigorous Vande-: All right then. Here goes. (Slide 19)

(Stands.)

I am Vigorous Vande. Initially I was known as Train 18. I was made for low-cost maintenance
and operational optimization. Designed and manufactured in India, under the 'Make in
India' initiative; I cost more to build because I have advanced technology and good
materials. (Slide 20) My aerodynamic design gives me speed and better materials make
me more efficient.

Vintage Velocity-: Useless! We barely make money as it is. How is an expensive newcomer
like you justified?

Vigorous Vande-: Despite the initial investment, I have been a boon for the Indian Railways.
(Slide 21) I'm fast and comfortable and increase connectivity like no other so people are
willing to pay more to travel on me. This helps the railway system make more money and
beef up infrastructure. Also, many tourists like me, which brings in extra income.

(Slide 22)
I can reach speeds up to 180 km/h within minutes, ensuring faster travel and reducing time
taken by up to 45%. I incorporate modern safety features, making me one of the safest
travel options. I'm energy-efficient, and electric, which reduces environmental impact. My
design requires less maintenance, saving on operational costs.

Should I go on? (Slide 23)

400 more like me could add 40,000 crores in revenue and create over 15,000 jobs. The
economic impact would be astronomical! (Slide 24) Since my introduction in 2019, the
 On Track for The Future Script
demand for me has skyrocketed; bringing in more technology, investment, and
modernization. I now serve multiple routes, connecting major Indian cities, but it won’t stop
here.

The sun never sets on progress. (Slide 25) As the Indian Railways continue to modernize
and expand, I see a bright future ahead. Soon you’ll see the Mini Vande Bharat, the Vande
Metro, and the Vande Sadharan.

(Slide 26) I am driving India forward like never before.

(Sits.)

END OF SCENE II

(Slide 27)
Scene III
The Conductor-: You know what? I’m actually looking forward to that. And I don’t think I’m
the only one.

Well, it’s your turn now.

Confident Cargo-: Do I really have to speak? I have enough work to do as it is.

The Conductor-: It wouldn’t take much effort. If Grandpa here can manage it, I’m sure you’ll
do just fine.

Confident Cargo-: Fine. (Slide 28) I’m Confident Cargo. But you can also call me Gritty
Goods, or Ferocious Freight. It’s my job to carry the most precious thing for any business-:
its inventory. (Slide 29) Whether it’s lugging tonnes of coal over land, or transporting
grain to feed the hungry. Whether it’s carrying goods ready for sale or precious raw
materials, I’m the one for the job.

(Slide 30) I’m working for The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited, a
public sector undertaking which undertakes planning, development, and mobilization of
financial resources and construction, maintenance and operation of the Dedicated Freight
Corridors. They’re constructing new freight corridors, adding line capacity, and reducing
logistics costs for businesses. Essentially, they’re the ones who made me, and they’re
working towards building a better India, one piece of cargo at a time.

(Slide 31) All of this doesn’t come cheap though. The upcoming Eastern and Western
Dedicated Freight Corridors will cost around 81,459 Crores and will likely take up to a
 On Track for The Future Script
decade to be completed. But the economic benefits will outweigh the costs. (Slide 32)
Rail freight is an excellent choice for business as it is the cheapest and one of the most
reliable logistics options on the market. I can carry a tonne at just 1.60 rupees per kilometre;
as opposed to water, road, and air freight that are much more expensive.

The Conductor-: I’m not sure being cheap is something you should brag about.

Confident Cargo-: How about this then, (Slide 33) Earnings from rail freight grew 21.81%;
from 16.04 billion dollars in FY21 to 17.61 billion in FY22. (Slide 34) I carried over 1500
million tonnes of freight in FY23. And that’s not the end of it. By FY31, the government
plans to increase my market share from 26 to 41%.

The Future holds great promise for me, and for India’s businesses.

(Slide 35)
I am keeping India’s Business growth on track.

(Sits.)

END OF SCENE III

(Slide 36)
Scene IV
The Conductor-: Well that was certainly enlightening. Who does that leave us with? Ah…
yes. The one who’s not Japanese. Are you ready to tell your story?

Brilliant Bullet-: There’s not much to tell.

The Conductor-: All right then. We’ll finish here---

Brilliant Bullet-: (Rushing ahead.) Wait! Wait! Wait! I do have something to tell.

The Conductor-: Go ahead then. (Slide 37)

Brilliant Bullet-: I am Brilliant Bullet. You must have heard about me on the news or
something. (Slide 38) Like everyone says, I am the Pinnacle of Technology. And I’m about
to turn up at your doorstep. (Slide 39) With better government policy, improved
technology, and better international collaboration; my creation became possible.

The Conductor-: Wait. You’re already being made? I thought that hadn’t started yet.
 On Track for The Future Script
Brilliant Bullet-: That’s what most people think. (Slide 40) But construction on my first
lines started in 2018. By this year 26% of The Project is already over. I’m all set to
revolutionise travel by 2026. It’s not going to be without its own challenges though.

(Slide 41) In 2015, my cost estimates were around 1.06 Trillion. By 2022, they reached
around 1.67 Trillion rupees. By the time construction is finally done, it’ll probably cross 2
trillion.

The Conductor-: Isn’t that a bit too much?

Brilliant Bullet-: Not really. You see, I’m well worth the cost. (Slide 42) Comfort, Speed,
Accessibility, Travel cost, Sustainability, travel time, and safety- you name it and I outshine
every other mode of transport on every criterion. That being said, the main reason I came
here is because I need your help.

The Conductor-: My help?

Brilliant Bullet-: (Gestures to the audience.) All of you. (Slide 43) You see public
awareness and concern around the railways is dwindling; especially with privitization
looming on the horizon. I need public and government approval, better marketing, better
execution, and more public support in order to be completed. People always think of the
railways as a thing of the past, but I can help you build a better tomorrow. (Slide 44)
I am a vision of India’s Future, but whether or not I become real is up to you. (Gestures.)

All of you.

(Sits.)

END OF SCENE IV

(Slide 45)
END OF ACT II

(Slide 46)
 On Track for The Future Script
Act III
(Slide 47)
The Conductor-: Well that’s certainly a sobering thought. I never would have thought that
the railways would have so much to tell us. Their stories were so enlightening, so…, so…,
moving; and so varied. Quite like India itself.

Well… what happens now? Do we all just go about our lives just like before? Should we go
back to ignoring the lifeblood of India’s economy? Do we just go back to only thinking about
the railways when another job vacancy is announced?

No one listens to the clickety clack of steel wheels on polished rails and hears the sound of
progress.

Shall we just walk round the daily gyre, flushed with apathy and nonplussed at the sheer
enormity of our indifference towards the---

Brilliant Bullet-: Bhai! (Thumbs down motion.) Hindi me baat karo.

Vintage Velocity-: Itna to angrez bhi nahi karte the.

The Conductor-: (Sighs.) My point is that we’ll have to put in the work to care about the
railways. To keep them clean and give them the attention they deserve.

You! When is Independence Day celebrated?

Okay.

And you! When is National Teachers’ Day celebrated?

All right.

What about National Railways Day? Does anyone here know when its celebrated?

We all remember the day we became independent. But what about the day when our
nation received the tools of its economic salvation? We remember the day when we
celebrate those who teach us. But, what about the day when our nation learned to dream of
progress? (Slide 48)
It’s on April 16th; to commemorate the day when the first passenger train went on its
maiden voyage on 1853.

And so friends, countrymen, romans, lend me your ears---

Confident Cargo-: Bhai! Ye India hai.

 On Track for The Future Script
The Conductor-: Right. (Slide 49)
END OF ACT III
Tanay-: We, The Passengers,

Ujjawal-: Ujjawal Patel.

Swapnil-: Swapnil Mishra.

Nitin-: Nitin Upadhyay.

Suyash-: Suyash Dixit.

Tanay-: And Tanay Manglani consider it a great honour to have been given the chance to
discuss such an oft-misunderstood sector. At the beginning, we said we were here today to
ask you one question and we finally think you’re ready to reflect upon the answer.

(Slide 50)
Where will the future take you?

I don’t know what the answer is. You probably don’t know either, but I’m sure you’re
excited to see where this journey takes you. (Slide 51) When the New Age inevitably
dawns, we hope you’ll be up just in time to see The Sun rise. (Slide 52) These have been
The Passengers aka Group 10. We sincerely hope you’ll come along for the ride.

(Slide 53) Thank you!

Fin.