If government or politicians invested more in Railway R&D long back. i think in present situation Railways may have achieved many milestones 'Railways have talented work force.
big example in India isro is also leader in R&D which makes all components swadeshi.
But politicians always suggest privatization of Railways.
as IR is their own father's property.
And...
more... also T18 type trains running on vote bank routes or politically motivated routes which have low mps .