New Delhi : Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired a high-level review meeting with railway officials from across the country at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, focusing on improving passenger experience and accelerating infrastructure development.
During the meeting, Vaishnaw underlined that enhancing travel comfort for the poor and middle class remains the foremost priority of Indian Railways. He commended railway personnel for their performance over the past year, noting significant achievements such as a historic decline in rail accidents and record freight loading, which have strengthened public confidence in the national transporter.
He also lauded the efficient operation of special trains during festive seasons, which helped manage the surge in passenger demand.
Focus on Cleanliness, Station Modernisation
Highlighting the importance of passenger experience, the Minister described railway stations as the public face of Indian Railways and called for improved cleanliness and maintenance. He urged officials to ensure optimal utilisation of the record budget allocated for railway modernisation to upgrade stations and enhance passenger amenities.
Crowd Management and Passenger Convenience
Vaishnaw stressed the need for effective crowd management during peak travel periods, particularly festivals, to ensure smooth movement of passengers to platforms and trains. He directed officials to prioritise investments that improve accessibility and convenience for commuters.
Land Acquisition and Social Sensitivity
The review also addressed delays in land acquisition for ongoing projects. The Minister instructed officials to expedite the process and consider engaging experienced retired personnel from state revenue and forest departments to resolve bottlenecks.
On the issue of settlements near railway tracks, Vaishnaw emphasized a humane and sensitive approach, ensuring that livelihoods are not adversely impacted. He called for coordinated efforts with state governments to address such concerns, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Push for User-Friendly Underpasses
In a key decision, the Minister directed that rail underpasses should be prioritised over foot overbridges wherever feasible, both within and outside station premises. He noted that underpasses are more accessible and widely used by the public.
Pilot projects will be launched across different regions to develop such underpasses, designed to accommodate pedestrians as well as cycles, two-wheelers, and, in some cases, larger vehicles like tractors. The designs will be customised to suit both urban and rural requirements.
Improved Punctuality and Future Vision
Vaishnaw also praised railway zones that have maintained high punctuality levels, particularly those achieving over 85% on-time performance despite operational challenges.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Minister stated that with continued focus on safety, efficiency, and passenger-centric planning, Indian Railways will further enhance service quality and overall travel experience across the country.