CHENNAI : If your train is delayed or if there is a maintenance issue pertaining to tracks, the blame squarely lies with the Indian Railways, which in the last 18 years has been increasing the number of trains, but focusing less on improving the infrastructure in proportion to the increase in trains.This was revealed at a press meet addressed by Union Railway Minister Piyush Goel to highlight the achievements and initiatives of the Ministries of Railways and Coal in the four years under Narendra Modi’s government and to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
To queries on the punctuality of trains and backlog in maintenance, railway officials, who accompanied the minister, said that the issue had been lack of sufficient funds to improve infrastructure.Goel, who was addressing reporters from 12 cities simultaneously, said the railways was getting future-ready and the maintenance works, which are being carried out, have resulted in delay but in the long term, this would enable faster and safer train movement.
Goel launches apps for passengers
CHENNAI: Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday launched two mobile applications — ‘Rail Madad’ to help customers with complaints and ‘Menu On Rails’ through which passengers can see meals on offer on-board trains. Rail MADAD — Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During travel — enables passengers to lodge complaints over food quality or dirty toilets. Customers can also ask for emergency services through the app. Besides, the complaint lodged through the app will reach the relevant officials of the divisions concerned directly. Menu on Rails will create awareness about food items served to passengers on their rail journey.
Airline-style toilets to be introduced in trains
Chennai: The Indian Railways is looking at introducing rest room comfort like those in aircraft, according to Union Railways Minister Piyush Goel. Addressing reporters from 12 cities, the minister said that the Railways is planning to introduce vacuum toilets in the trains. “These airline-style toilets are compact and hygienic,” said the minister. He said that Indian railways was becoming more differently-abled friendly by setting up ramps and hand-rests but the issue remained when it came to access to trains. Differently-abled still have to rely on physical assistance to board the train. “We have to look at some design change,” the minister said.