Aiming a complete overhaul of its entire system, the Railway Ministry has now moved to give a distinct identity to its lakhs of passenger-interface staff like booking clerks, station master, loco pilot, train ticket examiner and guard. The Railways has roped in famous fashion designer Ritu Beri for giving them a sartorial makeover. She will design the uniforms for these employees.
Chairman Railway Board AK Mital said that the international fashion designer will design new uniform for all railway employees which will have direct interface with public. “She will also bring out a common uniform which can be used by all employees including senior officials of the national transporters. Common uniform can be used for ceremonial occasion like celebration of Railway Day etc,” Mital told The Pioneer.
Currently railway staff, including TTEs and guards have uniforms which were designed long ago. According to the plan, all staff dealing with customers such as personnel involved in ticket and parcel booking and onboard staff will have new uniform now. Earlier railways had roped in NIFT and NID for designing interior of coaches and selecting colour scheme for new trains like Tejas, Hamsafar and Uday service.
A railway official involved in this dress image makeover said Beri’s new collection will also involve saree and T-shirts as she has been told to offer a complete package for railways. “She is expected to make her presentation in July. Beri will not charge any fee and design the dress for free,” said the official.