In a significant on-ground review, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw undertook a detailed inspection of the Delhi-Chandigarh railway section, engaging directly with frontline staff to understand operational hurdles. The interactive session, which lasted for one and a half hours, was held inside a moving inspection car on December 3, 2025.
Direct Dialogue with Ground Staff
During the inspection, Minister Vaishnaw held extensive discussions with track maintainers, permanent way inspectors, and signal department personnel. The workers openly shared the challenges they face in the field, highlighting that a significant portion of the railway's existing assets demand extensive maintenance and high expenditure.
In response, the minister emphasised a strategic shift in approach. "Create assets which require low maintenance," Vaishnaw advised the employees. He pointed to global benchmarks, citing the cost-effective and efficient railway systems operational in countries like Japan and Switzerland as models to learn from.
Focus on Modernisation and Equipment
To address the maintenance challenges practically, Vaishnaw suggested the induction of modern machinery. This includes advanced equipment like tamping machines for better track stabilisation and ballast cleaning machines. The aim is to enhance efficiency, reduce manual labour, and bring down long-term costs.
The minister assured the railway staff of his complete support in resolving the issues they raised during the candid 90-minute dialogue. This hands-on assessment is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve operational workflows across the Indian Railways network.
Kerala's Virtual Political Battle Heats Up
In a separate political development, with local body elections approaching in Kerala, the digital war between the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has intensified dramatically.
The CPI(M) has been targeting the Congress over the controversy involving suspended party MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, who faces allegations in several sexual abuse complaints. Countering this, the digital media cell of the Kerala Congress, with support from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), has launched a vigorous campaign against the ruling LDF.
Leading this charge is Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden, who has recently taken over as the in-charge of social media for the Kerala Congress. Eden has launched a sharp slogan—"Ambalakkallanmar kadakku purathu" (Get out, temple thieves)—alluding to the alleged involvement of CPI(M) leaders in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. This slogan has now been adopted as the profile cover photo by all senior Congress leaders in the state, marking a unified digital offensive.
