The Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently presented the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar awards to 100 Railway officials and recognized 26 Railway Zones for their outstanding performance at the India International Convention & Expo Centre in New Delhi.
The ceremony also featured V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways, and key Railway Board members. Vaishnaw highlighted the crucial role of railway employees in overcoming challenges and achieving significant milestones. He praised their dedication and the progress in expanding railway capacity and efficiency.
He shared that over 35,000 kilometers of track have been constructed. This expansion has allowed for additional special trains during peak seasons like Diwali and Christmas, significantly improving passenger travel.
Vaishnaw outlined a new initiative called “52 weeks, 52 reforms,” targeting major upgrades in areas such as customer service, maintenance, and technology. These reforms aim to enhance accountability, improve safety, and ensure that railway operations are modern and efficient.
He emphasized six core goals for Indian Railways:
- Implement systemic reforms across all functions.
- Embrace technology and innovation.
- Upgrade maintenance standards.
- Focus unwaveringly on safety.
- Enhance training and skill development.
- Move away from outdated practices and embrace fresh ideas.
Vaishnaw encouraged collaboration with startups for innovative solutions and praised the young workforce as vital for driving change. He believes Indian Railways is poised to become a global leader by 2047.
V. Somanna reiterated the significance of rail connectivity, highlighting projects improving access in remote regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. He mentioned efforts to make operations more environmentally friendly, noting the shift towards electrification.
Satish Kumar, Railway Board Chairman, discussed the swift modernization and safety improvements within Indian Railways. He stressed the importance of advanced technology in enhancing operational reliability and safety.
This year’s Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar continues a long tradition of honoring the hard work of railway employees, celebrating both individual and collective achievements that contribute to a safer and more efficient railway system in India. For more details on railway initiatives and electrification milestones, visit the Ministry of Railways.
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