Chairing a detailed review meeting on the state of affairs in the Railways,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday told the ministry top brass that the creation of railway infrastructure must not slow down.
Addressing a meeting attended by Ministers of State Mukul Roy,K H Muniyappa,Bharatsinh Solanki and the full Railway Board led by chairman Vivek Sahai,the PM made specific mention of the need to speed up work on the Dedicated Freight Corridor,J&K Railway Project and the national railway projects in the Northeastern states.
While the Railways had successfully absorbed the additional staff costs after the 6th Pay Commission,Singh mentioned the critical need to improve the operating ratio by increasing revenues and decreasing operating costs,a government statement said.
While the Railways apprised the Prime Minister of the record completion of new lines last year,he said the creation of railway infrastructure must not slow down. The Railways must fast-track the setting up of locomotive factories and other initiatives being taken to attract investment under the public-private partnership framework. This would also send a positive signal about investment climate to potential investors,both at home and abroad,he said.
Expressing concern at recent accidents at unmanned level crossing gates,Singh directed that the signage and road surface at the level crossing gates should be in accordance with laid down norms. The Railways would launch a publicity drive to educate the road-users too.