Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has issued a clarion call for the Indian Railways to elevate its performance to a completely new level. This transformation, he stated, is essential to realize the ambitious national vision of a developed India, or 'Viksit Bharat', and a developed railway system, 'Viksit Railways', by the year 2047.
Awards Ceremony Sets the Stage for Vision
The minister made these significant remarks while addressing a distinguished gathering in New Delhi. The occasion was the ceremony for the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar, a prestigious award honoring exceptional service within the railways. During the event, 100 railway officials were recognized with individual awards for their dedication and excellence.
Furthermore, the ceremony also saw the distribution of 26 Shields to the best-performing railway zones across various operational and service categories. This award function, held on January 9, 2026 Minister Vaishnaw framed the awards not just as recognition, but as a motivation for the entire railway fraternity. He emphasized that the current pace of progress, while commendable, needs a significant acceleration. The goal of transforming into a 'Viksit Railways' network that powers a 'Viksit Bharat' requires groundbreaking improvements in several key areas. Safety, passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and technological modernization are expected to be the cornerstones of this next leap forward. The minister's speech underscored that the journey to 2047 is a collective mission, where every employee's contribution is vital. The conferral of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar highlights the existing pool of talent and commitment within Indian Railways. By honoring 100 officials and 26 zones, the ministry aims to set benchmarks and inspire others to strive for higher standards. The message from the top is clear: the accolades of today must become the baseline for tomorrow. As India marches towards its centenary of independence in 2047, its vast railway network, often termed the nation's lifeline, is expected to be at the forefront of this developmental journey, requiring sustained effort and innovation from every corner of the organization.The Path to Viksit Railways by 2047
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
