BHUBANESWAR: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday called upon all Zonal Railways and Railway Board members to gear up to face the challenges before them.
Inaugurating the 61st Railway Week National Award function here, the Minister said infrastructural development through partnership will lead to benefit of the people as well as the country. He requested the State Governments to cooperate with Railways in infrastructural developments in their respective States.
Stating that railway connectivity is an important factor in development process, the Minister said Indian Railways is committed to create adequate railway infrastructure (new lines, gauge conversions, station developments, new trains, passenger facility and amenities) in East Coast.
Prabhu also stressed on customer satisfaction and services and improved passenger amenities facing new challenges in the recent trend of communication development. Top priority should be given to safety, security, punctuality and on-board services, he added.
Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, Chairman of the Railway Board AK Mital, other members of the Board, general managers of all the Zonal Railways and production units and other senior railway officials were present.
At least 143 railway employees and officers were awarded on the occasion for their outstanding performance. As many as 25 shields were presented to different Zonal Railways and production units for their performance and achievements. East Coast Railway (ECoR) bagged Pt Govind Ballabh Pant shield for overall performance. This year’s railway week was dedicated to ECoR.