The Minister of Railways Sadananda Gowda said that all railwaymen need to be innovative and find solutions for all major issue like efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and services on the Indian Railways. Addressing a conference of General Managers (GMs) of all Zonal Railways, pisional Railway Managers (DRMs), Chiefs of Railway Production Units & Railway PSUs and senior railway officials, here today, Shri Gowda said that conventional thinking and the present style of functioning will not help us achieve anything. Normally tendency is to come out with replies and excuses for nonperformance which will not be tolerated by the Government, Shri Gowda added. Expressing his concerns regarding safety and security of women and elderly passengers as well as poor passenger amenities like drinking waters, waiting areas and rest rooms, Shri Gowda said that we all have to make efforts to make Railways efficient and passenger oriented.
The Railway Minister Shri Gowda further said that though Indian Railways carry largest number of passengers and freight, they stand much behind in efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and services. He pointed out that the Chinese Railways, as we know, is four times more efficient than ours both in terms of number of passengers carried per employee and freight carried per employee. Most Railways in the world run their trains on time but Indian Railways yet to improve its punctuality whereas they have time schedule for every train. As each and every passenger wants cleanliness, Indian Railways need to keep our trains and stations clean. As far as the taste and quality of food is concerned, Indian Railways need to understand that the passengers do not have choice but to eat what Railways provide. The Minister pointed out that there are lots of complaints from the travelling public which we keep receiving and therefore, we need to redress them and make efforts so that the complaints are reduced or eliminated. The Minister said that Railways will have to constantly endeavour to find solutions for meeting the ever increasing demands for the introduction of more trains and new lines.
The Railway Minister further said that senior officers of Railways at cutting edge level, are leaders and leader always finds ways to go forward, otherwise leader cannot be a leader. He said that people want immediate and visible changes in the performance of the Railways. Shri Gowda said though the planning will be done for five years but there is a need to start producing results as soon as possible. Referring to the able leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Gowda said a new era has heralded and - we all should pledge and work towards building a strong and vibrant India as the new Government stands for change and faster development. He reiterated that Government’s mantra is either to perform or perish and this is applicable from the last employee of Railway upto the Railway Board. Shri Gowda emphasised the priorities of the Government in brief, which include i) Safety and security; ii) Increase average speed to 150/200kmph; iii) Introduction of bullet trains; iv) Improve punctuality 100%; v) Cleanliness of trains & stations ; vi) Satisfactory food quality & taste.; vii) Coverage Carry minimum of 50% of commuting public; viii) Competitiveness to be 100% more competitive than road sector; and Providing the nation with world class railways.
Referring to the important role of General Managers and pisional Railway Managers, Shri Gowda said - ‘I consider that you are the Minister, you are the Chairman for the pision or zone which you are heading. You should feel that each of you is responsible for all the good and bad of the institution. As a Minister, I know that you may find it difficult to share certain issues or problems with your senior officers for various reasons. You are at liberty to communicate directly any issue to me or to my colleague Shri Manoj Sinha, which would bring good name to Railways and I will keep it confidential. You have to express your views as to how to bring major reforms in Railways. You should give suggestions which will bring more transparency in administration of day to day affairs. Your difficulties will be looked into and suggestions will be considered, seriously’.
The Railway Minister said that the purpose of this conference is to convey the aspirations of people and expectations of the Government from each and every participant. He expressed his wish to meet each and every one of the employee of Indian Railways and ask why we are not the best in the world. He expressed his hope that the officers who have gathered here will carry this message to each and every employee of Indian Railways.Gowda called upon all railwaymen to work as a team and asked them to come with ideas as to how we should go forward. He emphasised on comprehensive change and sought dedicated and focused team work. ‘If we all work as a team and remain motivated, there is nothing which is impossible’ Shri Gowda added The Minister also informed that he and his colleague Minister Shri Manoj Sinha will undertake tours at regular intervals across the country to understand the problems at the ground level and then give appropriate directions to resolve them.
The Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha called upon the railwaymen to work as a family and work with full dedication to make the Indian Railways as the best Railways in the world. He said over the years he has been travelling as an ordinary passenger and is aware of the problems faced by the travelling public which we need to address in the right earnest. He said that Railway administration will have to keep the customer at the centre of the its all activities and work to meet the aspirations of railway users. e said safety and security passenfger aminisities, punctuality in train operations are some of the priority areas which need uitmosty attrentionmof Railway administration. He said the disposal of file could be fast trackHe also suggested tyo compugerise and digitalise more and more activities records He said that railwaymen always think in terms of giving his best for the betterment of railway, passenger an for the nation. He said that railway men should give suggestions for the improvement of the railway system. He sought cooperation from the various federations in running Railways; system efficiently and effectively. He said that the announcem,tns made by the Prime Minister in regard to Railways will be implanted in full earnest. He said we have to work as Government for the poor persons. Shri Sinha emphasied on improving fincial health, decsipline railway operational Pointing out to some media reports regarding poor cleanliness at some stations, he said that DRMs should personally monitor passenger amenities related works. He emphasised that safety and security, passenger amenities and train punctuality should continue to be the priority of Railways. There should be more efficiency in the administrative machinery with fast movement of files and their expeditious disposal. The Minister also pointed out that Railways should also undertake massive computerization and digitalization of its records, vast inventories and other activities. He said that each of us in Indian Railways will have to think of passengers, of Indian Railways and of nation. He sought cooperation of all the Union Federations. He said Railways to encourage people to come up with suggestions and feedback for improving services. Shri Sinha said that the announcements made by the Prime Minister in relation to Railways need to be implemented. He said Railways have to determine the direction about our efforts and work for better financial health, discipline and railway operations. He said that the officers at the ground level have enhanced responsibilities in implementing various measures in the interest of the passengers.
In his speech, Chairman Railway Board, Arunendra Kumar said that there is a wind of change in the governance and we need to gear up to improve our work culture. He pointed out that it was an unique opportunity in the history of railways that the Railway Ministers are directly interacting with the ground level officers who are at the cutting edge of railway system with a view to improve delivery of service. Referring to the meeting called by Prime Minister, the Chairman said that it was desired by the Prime Minister that the file should not only move but should also yield into time-bound results, common man’s concerns should be addressed, responsiveness should be improved and timely delivery of service should be ensured. He said that the tasks like improved delegation of powers and faster decision making which do not require any funds need to be implemented. He also pointed out that certain issues like seventh pay commission and restructuring of cadres pertaining to railway employees, too need to be looked into.Also present on the occasion among others were Financial Commissioner, Railways, Ms. Rashim Kapoor,. Member Engineering, Shri V.K.Gupta, Member Electrical, Shri Kul Bhushan, Member Traffic, Shri D.P. Pande, Member Mechanical Shri Alok Johri and Member Staff, Shri A.K.Mital.Secretary, Railway Board, Shri P.C. Gajbhiye conducted the proceedings of the Conference.