In a strong message prioritizing passenger security, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that railway zones failing to meet safety targets will be disqualified from receiving any awards, even if they excel in other operational areas. The minister made this declaration on Friday while speaking at the annual railway award ceremony in New Delhi.
Safety as the Non-Negotiable Priority
Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed that safety remains the paramount focus for the national transporter. He revealed that this year, one zone was entirely excluded from award consideration due to its poor performance on safety-related parameters. Issuing a stern warning, the minister indicated that the consequences will be stricter in the future. "Next time, three zones won’t qualify for any award only for this reason. For us, safety remains the main focus area," Vaishnaw stated.
He emphasized his personal commitment by sharing that his first task every morning is to take updates from the Director General of Safety at the Railway Board. This daily ritual underscores the administration's top-down emphasis on preventing accidents and ensuring secure travel for millions.
Systemic Reforms and Daily Monitoring Mandate
The minister issued clear instructions to all zonal heads and divisional railway managers. He mandated daily monitoring at all levels and prompt action on suggestions provided by officials handling safety issues. Vaishnaw called for an "uncompromising focus on safety" with the clear objective of drastically reducing consequential accidents.
This goal is to be achieved through a multi-pronged strategy:
- Better training programs for staff.
- Strategic deployment of new technology.
- Ensuring disciplined operations across the network.
- Rigorous monitoring at all leadership levels.
Embracing Ideas and Technology for a Modern Railway
In a move to foster innovation, Vaishnaw directed the senior railway bureaucracy to be receptive to new ideas and suggestions from staff of all ranks. He announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated web portal where employees can submit ideas for technological and procedural changes. Notably, the portal will offer the option for staff to make suggestions anonymously, encouraging frank and valuable feedback from the ground.
Outlining the broader priorities for the year, the minister promised a decisive push for systemic reforms. These time-bound changes will span several critical areas:
- Customer service enhancements.
- Overhaul of maintenance protocols.
- Improvements in production and quality systems.
- Upgrades to health systems for employees.
All these reforms will be driven by a renewed culture of accountability and execution within the railways. Furthermore, Vaishnaw highlighted a focused drive for the deep and widespread adoption of technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. This includes investing in next-generation rolling stock, advanced track systems, modern signalling solutions, and smarter, data-driven maintenance practices to boost overall reliability and productivity.
