Ashutosh Gangal, General Manager of Northern Railway, held a performance review meeting with the departmental heads and divisional railway managers through video conferencing. Among other issues, there were deliberations on safety, infrastructure enhancement, dismantling of worn-out structures at stations, yard remodeling, maintenance of tracks and OHE, train operations, punctuality, and staff training schedules.
Safety is the prime focus of railways. The GM emphasised improving the maintenance standards of tracks and overhead electric wire systems. He advised that since post-Covid normalcy is returning so infrastructure improvement projects need to be completed on time. He said that remodeling of stations and improvement of infrastructure, especially dismantling of old worn-out structures like FOBs, has to be carried out on priority. Improvement of yards and works on 160 kmph speed enhancement is to be expedited. Punctuality of the passenger and freight trains is to be improved and asset failure issues to be tackled earnestly.
He also emphasised improving freight loading and increasing goods earnings. Expenditures are to be curtailed. He also insisted on timely training of manpower, especially those involved in the maintenance and operations activities. Training schedules are to be worked out in keeping with the set Covid-19 protocols. Regular medical examination and immunisation of staff should be the priority to curtail the spread of the deadly virus.
