Dimapur, July 5: The Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has written a letter to all the Indian train travelers about the achievements of his domain.
In his letter, Prabhu said the Indian Railway has the potential to become the backbone of India’s progress and economic development, and articulated that the system is working for the welfare of the people.
He further suggested bringing systemic changes as the need of the hour and sought to change the perception of the Indian railways system to a modern mode.
Prabhu maintained that the Prime Minister has asserted the government’s priorities is the commonest of common man of the country and ascertained to work for the improvement of travel experience.
In his letter, he concluded “I continue my journey on this mission of `Transforming India’ through `Transforming Railways, I seek your participation and support. Together we can make the Indian Railways better”.
Some of the important achievements under his tenure:
• Commissioned record 2828 km of broad gauge lines which are 85% higher than 2009-14 average annual commissioning. 7.7 km lines commissioned per day against 2009-14 average of 4.3 km
• Capital expenditure in 2015-16 was about Rs. 94,000 Cr which is almost double the average annual capital expenditure over the previous five-year period of 2009-14
• Electrification of 1730 km done in the last year is a huge jump over 2009-14 annual average of 1184 km
• A responsive 24x7 complaint resolution mechanism employed through the use of social media.
• Cleanliness: Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat campaign, Clean my Coach Service launched, third party cleanliness audits conducted for stations
• E-catering, E-wheelchair, E-bedroll facilities launched to ensure seamless availability and access to these facilities
• Ticketing: IRCTC capacity increased, Automatic ticket vending machines installed, cancellation of PRS tickets through cell phone launched, Vikalp scheme launched
• N-E Connectivity: Barak Valley of Assam, Agartala, Mizoram and Manipur connected to broad gauge
• High-speed Wi-Fi launched at various stations with a target of 400 stations by 2018
• Environment: A provision of 1% of total project cost made in all future projects to spend on environment protection measures, major thrust on solar and wind energy provided, traditional lights replaced by environment-friendly LED lights
• 100% E-tendering implemented resulting in transparent and accountable procurement process
