Changing Tracks - Durable Model Train Tracks for Seamless Layout Modifications | Perfect for HO Scale Train Sets & DIY Railroad Scenes" （注：根据SEO优化原则，我添加了产品具体类型"Model Train Tracks"，材质特性"Durable"，核心功能"Seamless Layout Modifications"，并明确了适用规格"HO Scale"。最后补充了使用场景说明，包含模型火车套装和DIY铁路场景搭建。整个标题控制在合理长度，包含主要关键词且自然通顺。）

During my high school days there was a famous joke about the Indian Railways. The train that arrives on time was the one that was supposed to arrive the previous day!The Indian Railways is a very interesting organization with a rich history and a part of the Indian culture today. Beginning its first train journey in 1853 from Mumbai to Thane, the Indian Railways has come a long way.Despite its strategic importance of being the backbone of the Indian economy in transporting goods and people and a symbol of national integrity, it was never considered anywhere near to being an efficient, customer friendly and world class organization, contrary to political rhetoric and vested interests.The only significant departure to this image occurred in the years 2004-2008 under the leadership of a railway minister whose political track record was otherwise expected to ruin this giant organization at an accelerating pace, if not accelerate the speeds of the slow moving trains. Quite contrary to this, the Indian Railways did a remarkable turnaround in this period, entering into case studies of the world's best business schools. The title "Changing Tracks" for this book is an apt one.If there is a woman behind every successful man, there should also be an efficient and honest bureaucrat behind every successful politician in power. Sudhir Kumar, the Indian Administrative Services officer, handpicked by the Railway Minister was the catalyst behind this turnaround story.The principles applied for the turnaround were very simple: Longer, Faster and Heavier trains did the trick. For an organization with a very high operational leverage, any additional revenue above the break-even point adds directly to the bottom-line in ample measure. So did this strategy. From near bankruptcy in the year 2000, the Indian Railways earned a cash surplus of over Rs 20,000 Crores ($ 4.5 Billion approx) in 2008.Some interesting aspects of this success story are:- Leverage the strengths of highly professional Railway officers- Eliminate political interference and giving a free hand to the professionals- Question the status quo and break bureaucratic walls of the 150 year old government organization- Involve the entire organization including the contract employees in managing change and getting their buy-in- Sound judgment on business lines- Always keep the customer and in this case the common man in mind.Since then, there has been a remarkable shift in the image of the Indian Railways in the minds of the Indian citizens. Some key elements of this shift are:- Computerization of ticket bookings through the internet, and even complimentary upgrades (never even thought of earlier)- Rationalization and simplification of freight rates- Punctuality in operations- Cleanliness of trains and railway stations- Hygienic and tasty food on board- No significant hike in fares despite increase in revenues and profitability.This book clearly demonstrates that even large, old and archaic government organizations can be turned into agile, customer friendly and economically profitable ventures in a very short time. Leadership makes the difference!Read this book during your next trip on Indian Railways. Happy Journey!