Insta
In One Year, All Unmanned Level Crossings Need To Be Removed: Piyush Goyal
Swarajya Staff
Sep 10, 2017, 11:26 AM | Updated 11:26 AM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Newly-appointed Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said that all unmanned level crossings need to be removed within a year.
“Initially, the Railways had a target of removing all unmanned crossings in three years. But I told them, why not do it within a year. Around 5,000 unmanned level crossings which account for nearly 30-35 per cent of total rail accidents, need to be removed by the railways in the next one year,” Goyal said while addressing a programme in IIM-Calcutta on Saturday.
He also emphasised on leveraging technology to improve Indian Railways’ efficiency and claimed to have presented the idea of floating global tenders for laying new railway tracks.
“All you need is some infrastructure and a set of communication devices. The RailTel has already prepared the optic fibre network for improving communication,” Goyal added.
RailTel Corporation, a Mini Ratna PSU, is one of the largest railway telecom infrastructure providers in the country.
He further said that the officials have been asked to look into the upkeep of railway tracks and expedite procurement processes. “These are just ideas that we have discussed. Let’s see how soon we can take them forward,” Goyal said.
He had chaired a high-level meeting with top Railway Board officials on train safety in New Delhi on 7 September. (ANI)
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.