Using governance framework for e-governance development: An analysis of the Indian rail transport

This paper argues that a good governance framework, such as the one developed by the Institute on Governance (IOG), can be used to develop an e-Governance strategy that focuses on governance outcomes. Using the case of Indian rail transport, the authors have examined the extent to which IOG governance framework can help in developing interventions to achieve governance outcomes. The paper has presented case studies on various functional areas of Indian Railways and discussed relevant e-Government applications. The discussion has highlighted the existing e-Government applications, or lack thereof, that have been associated with the principles of legitimacy and voice, strategic vision, performance, accountability and fairness by various scholars. The analysis suggests that it is practical and feasible to use a good governance framework as a method of developing an e-Governance strategy that can enable the stakeholders monitor and evaluate governance outcomes. The authors have highlighted the need for further research to examine the shortcomings and opportunities of using this method in strategy development, program management and evaluation using real projects.