Minister of Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal on Tuesday reviewed issues of coal production and evacuation at a joint meeting with officials of the Ministries of Coal and Railways, East Coast Railway (ECoR), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and the Odisha Government.
To improve coal production and despatch, he stressed on joint cooperation and mutual understanding between various agencies of the Central and State Governments. This would give a strong message to the potential investors and business interests regarding a positive industrial and investment climate in the State, he said.
Goyal also stressed on tackling of public order issues to give confidence to potential investors about the joint resolve to handle problems facing the industries. This could be done when all the stakeholders involved, including the State Government, together resolve to adopt a focussed and solutions-based approach to the problems, he observed.
MCL officials listed the issues pending with the Railways and the State Government. They also flagged issues related to the Forest Department. It was seen that most of the issues were at the stage of being solved or implemented at local levels through coordination with the DRMs concerned or the district Collectors in some cases.
The ECoR gave a presentation of a roadmap for achieving 55+ rakes a day at the Talcher collieries and actionable points and assistance required from the MCL and the State Government.
Besides, the Minister laid focus on cleanliness and other issues while holding wit officials.
Cleanliness of toilets would continue to remain a priority area. “The focus on clean toilets is the humblest tribute we can pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.”
He too took stock of all the mechanised laundries coming up in the East Coast Railway Zone.
Enquiring about the WiFi installation position, he said the Mahanadi Coalfields will support in installing WiFi at balance stations.
Secretaries of Steel and Mines, Revenue, Home, Forests and Environment Department, among others, represented the State Goverment. ECOR General Manager, departmental heads and DRMs of Bilaspur, Chakradharpur, Khurda Road and Sambalpur were present.