Indian Railways boasts one of the largest railway networks in the world and contributes to the national revenue in a big way. Its potential for creating new jobs makes it one of the prime drivers of the national economy. But there is no denying the need for reforms and infrastructure development in the railways sector, with some parts of the country yet to be connected with the train network.
The new Railways minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who served Odisha as an IAS officer, has been working hard to transform the Indian Railways with more investment for better infrastructure and passenger services. He gave glimpses of his plan for the improvement of the fourth biggest railway network in the world while speaking at the 67th National Railways Award Function 2022 organised under the auspices of East Coast Railway recently. Pointing out that investment in railways has reached Rs. 1.37 lakh crore, Vaishnaw said there will be increased emphasis on rapid absorption of technology. The minister also expressed hope that technology-driven transformation of the railways will boost the country’s economy.
Vaishnaw, who has introduced a new work culture in the railway ministry, wants to develop Indian Railways as a multidimensional institution that can handle complex projects. He wants his team to prepare strategies keeping in mind the future needs of the country 50 years from now. His ministry has prioritized projects under the PM Gati Shakti Scheme by setting up a new directorate under the Railway Board.
The industrious bureaucrat-turned politician is a hands-on boss whose emphasis on punctuality and efficient handling of jobs has created a new work culture in the ministry. Vaishnaw, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha with Biju Janata Dal’s support, enjoys excellent rapport with Odisha bureaucrats and politicians and continues to pay special attention to railway projects being executed in the state.
Although the minister always takes time out to meet state BJP leaders during his Odisha visits, he is equally friendly with BJD leaders. He also takes care to rise above politics when it comes to executing developmental projects. His attitude has endeared him to one and all with leaders from all the parties praising his efforts for developing the railways in the state. Railway employees are equally happy with him as he makes it a point to understand their problems and resolve them as soon as possible.
As an IAS officer, Vaishnaw always had a people-centric approach to issues. He left his imprint on almost every job that he carried out as a bureaucrat in the state and then at the Centre. His vast experience as an administrator is now helping him. Although expansion and modernization of the railway network in Odisha is a daunting task, the minister remains determined to complete it in a time-bound manner. Given his sincerity and dedication he is bound to succeed.
Comment here