NEW DELHI: As part of the ‘52 Reforms in 52 Weeks’ initiative, the Railways on Saturday launched two measures-one aimed at improving on-board services in trains with top priority given to cleanliness, and the other focused on rail-based logistics through Gati-Shakti cargo terminals and related cargo facilities.
“Now cleanliness in general coaches will be at the level maintained in reserved coaches. Initially, we have started the first reform for better onboard services in 80 trains identified from all zones. More than 80 important trains will be brought under this reform in coming days,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters.
Multi-tasking and cross-skilled staff will serve as passenger interface personnel for cleanliness. Leading service providers with a proven track record will be engaged to ensure improved cleanliness and onboard services in 80 trains from their originating stations to their final destinations, he said. Cleanliness and other on-board services will also be supported by technology-enabled real-time monitoring.
“A central control room is being established to monitor the reform for better on-board services, including cleanliness, where photographs received from trains will be analysed using AI tools,” he added.
At a meeting chaired by Vaishnaw in January this year, 52 reforms in 52 weeks were approved for systematic improvements in service delivery, efficiency and governance. He said, “Two reforms out of 7 will start after the AI Impact Summit, and the rest in the first and second weeks of March”.
Another reform will accelerate the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies for safety, maintenance and operations. Other measures include revamp of talent management and training, exploring innovative approaches to employee skill development, and overhaul of catering services to enhance food quality and onboard service standards.
He said the second reform, concerning rail-based logistics through Gati-Shakti cargo terminals and cargo-related facilities, has also started. So far, the Railways has developed 124 multi-modal cargo terminals, surpassing the target of 100.
“With the construction of 124 multi-model cargo terminals, which have brought over 200 million tonnes of cargo in the last 3 years, generating extra revenue of `20,000 crore, the Railways have moved further in cargo terminal services. We have set a target of developing more than 500 multi-modal cargo terminals in the next 5 years that will also bring more than 300 million tonnes of cargo by generating extra revenue of `30,000 crore in the coming days,” he said.
“Over the next 22 years, the Railways has numerous reforms and initiatives to undertake as part of building a new Railways system in a Viksit Bharat under the Prime Minister’s leadership,” he said.