Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasises passenger comfort, cleanliness and safety in Railways review meeting

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience to the poor and middle class remains the top priority of Indian Railways, as he chaired a nationwide review meeting with senior officials at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.

The minister called on railway officials to work collectively towards improving passenger experience, highlighting that railway stations serve as the public face of the national transporter and must be kept clean and well-maintained through dedicated efforts.

Focus on Safety, Performance and Passenger Experience

Vaishnaw congratulated the railway workforce for achieving a historic reduction in accidents and record freight loading over the past year, noting that these achievements have enhanced the overall image of Indian Railways. He also praised the efficient operation of special trains during festival seasons, which helped manage increased passenger demand.

Emphasising better crowd management, especially during peak travel periods, the minister directed officials to ensure smooth passenger movement and hassle-free boarding at stations.

Modernisation and Infrastructure Push

Referring to the record budgetary allocation for railway modernisation in recent years, Vaishnaw stressed the need for optimal utilisation of funds to upgrade stations and enhance passenger amenities.

He also reviewed progress on land acquisition for ongoing railway projects and instructed officials to expedite pending cases, suggesting the involvement of experienced retired officers from state revenue and forest departments to address bottlenecks.

Humane Approach to Land Encroachment Issues

Addressing the sensitive issue of settlements near railway tracks, the minister underlined that livelihoods must not be adversely affected. He directed officials to adopt a humane and compassionate approach while resolving such matters, in coordination with state governments.

Preference for Underpasses Over Foot Overbridges

In a key infrastructure decision, the ministry announced that, wherever feasible, underpasses (puliyas) will be prioritised over foot overbridges for crossing railway tracks, both within station premises and outside.

The Ministry of Railways said these underpasses would be designed for ease of use by pedestrians as well as cyclists and two-wheelers, and in some cases, even tractors and other vehicles. Pilot projects will be launched in different parts of the country to test these designs in both urban and rural settings.

Push for Punctuality and Service Quality

The minister also commended railway zones for maintaining high punctuality levels, particularly those achieving over 85 per cent on-time performance despite operational challenges.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to a passenger-centric approach, Vaishnaw said sustained efforts in safety, service quality and infrastructure development would continue to improve the overall travel experience across Indian Railways.