Ashutosh Gangal, the general manager (GM) of Northern Railways, held a safety review meeting with the departmental heads of Northern Railways and with DRM’s through video-call from Baroda house, NR headquarter office in New Delhi. Amongst many issues, emphasis was laid on safety on tracks, enhancement of speed, freight, punctuality, and train operations. He instructed that works of passenger amenities like provision of escalators, lifts, washable aprons, improvement in station building, circulating areas, and so on, should be given priority and must be completed in a stipulated time-frame.
Gangal also released a booklet on the system map of Northern Railways. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised on punctuality of trains and freight earnings.
Safety is the prime focus over railways. The GM emphasised on improving the maintenance standards of tracks, level crossings and construction of boundary wall along the track in high speed sections. He took serious note of the trespassing on line and advised the divisions and the security department to check the trespassing and book offenders under different railway acts and penalise them including jail-term, if need be. He also suggested making efforts to clear encroachment near the railway tracks, in order to ensure safety. On improving the infrastructure, the GM laid greater focus on the level crossings (LC), which should be revamped and road surfaces improved. Moreover, the road users should be sensitised not to cross the lines when the LC gates are closed.
Gangal said that monsoon rains have been very heavy in many spots across Northern Railways. Sometimes, this poses great difficulty in train operations over stretches where water has collected over the tracks. Northern Railways continuously monitored the water logging and put in efforts in clearing the tracks. This was implemented by pressing additional pumps for water evacuation. Moreover, the local rain overflowed rivers and drains, resulting in floods, in the embankments of the rail lines compounding the problem of train movement.
Northern Railways is committed to providing safe, smooth and efficient services to its customers.