Last Updated on April 4, 2026 1:00 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
By Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior railway officials in New Delhi, emphasizing that improving the travel experience of poor and middle-class passengers remains the foremost priority of Indian Railways.
During the meeting, the Minister urged officials to work in close coordination to achieve this objective and commended the railway workforce for its strong performance over the past year. He noted that several operational improvements had helped enhance the public image of the national transporter.
Mr. Vaishnaw pointed out that the Railways had achieved a historic decline in rail accidents while also recording unprecedented freight loading, which has strengthened confidence in the system. He also praised the timely operation of special trains during major festivals and the efforts of railway zones to maintain punctuality levels above 85 percent in many regions.
Highlighting the importance of passenger experience, the Minister stressed that railway stations must remain clean, safe and well-maintained. He also called for the efficient utilization of funds allocated for modernization projects and asked officials to ensure better facilities for travelers across the network.
The issue of managing large passenger crowds during peak travel periods was also discussed during the meeting. Mr. Vaishnaw directed officials to improve crowd management systems to ensure smooth passenger movement and safety at stations.
Land acquisition for ongoing railway projects also figured prominently in the review. The Minister instructed officials to accelerate the process and, where necessary, seek assistance from experienced retired officers of state revenue and forest departments to resolve administrative hurdles.
He further emphasized the need for a humane approach while dealing with communities living near railway tracks. Stressing safety and accessibility, Mr. Vaishnaw advocated the construction of more user-friendly underpasses to facilitate safer movement across tracks.
According to the Minister, priority should be given to convenient and accessible underpasses instead of foot overbridges for crossing railway tracks, both within station premises and in surrounding areas. He said such infrastructure would not only enhance passenger convenience but also improve safety for local residents.
The meeting concluded with directions to officials to expedite project implementation while keeping passenger comfort, safety and modernization at the centre of the Railways’ development agenda.