Indian Railways Honors Excellence in Service
The Indian Railways recently celebrated its commitment to excellence by honoring outstanding employees and zones at the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar ceremony. This event took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented awards to 101 railway officials and 22 shields to the best-performing zones. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, and various members of the Railway Board and General Managers from different Railway Zones and Production Units.
Celebrating Exceptional Contributions
During the ceremony, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the awardees for their exceptional contributions to the Indian Railways. He highlighted the transformative progress made in the railway sector over the past decade. The minister pointed out the rapid pace of project completion, including significant initiatives like the Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail link and ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity in the North-East region.
Shri Vaishnaw also emphasized the ambitious goal of achieving 100% electrification of the railway network by 2025. He noted the momentum gained by projects such as Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat, as well as the development of freight corridors. The implementation of the Kavach safety system has been a significant step towards ensuring passenger safety. The minister reported a substantial reduction in consequential accidents, dropping from 345 to 90, showcasing the effectiveness of safety measures. Additionally, he praised the cleanliness initiatives that have garnered recognition, including commendations from opposition leaders. A new Super App is also set to enhance the passenger experience significantly.
Focus on Safety and Modernization
Shri Vaishnaw stressed the importance of safety and maintenance in the railway sector. He called for a tripling of efforts in these areas to modernize infrastructure and provide a world-class experience for commuters. The minister announced plans for innovative maintenance practices, including collaborations with industry experts and improved inspection systems. Training for officers and technicians will also be enhanced, incorporating feedback from grassroots levels.
Safety remains a top priority for Indian Railways. Initiatives such as zero derailment zones will be incentivized with shields and financial rewards. The minister emphasized the integration of modern technology, policy reforms, and structural changes to ensure sustainable progress. He urged everyone in the railway sector to work together, reflecting on the ethos of “Rashtra Pratham, Sadaiv Pratham,” which translates to “Nation First, Always First.” This call for teamwork aims to uphold the Railways as a symbol of excellence, serving every citizen, especially the underprivileged, with efficiency and care.
Commitment to Passenger Experience
In his welcome address, Shri Satish Kumar, Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board, reiterated the commitment of Indian Railways to provide affordable and world-class travel experiences. He emphasized the principles of speed, comfort, and safety as the top priorities for the organization. The incorporation of state-of-the-art technology is set to enhance passenger experiences significantly.
Shri Kumar highlighted transformative projects like Amrit Bharat Station, which aims to provide world-class facilities, including lifts, escalators, and infrastructure that is friendly to persons with disabilities. He acknowledged the unmatched teamwork within the Railways, calling it the heart of its operations. The role of true leadership in executing large-scale projects was also emphasized. He encouraged everyone to work collaboratively to modernize the Railways and meet contemporary demands while setting future benchmarks. The Railways, he concluded, symbolizes excellence and progress through uninterrupted speed and modernization, dedicated to serving the people of India.
Recognizing Excellence in Service
The Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar is an annual event that recognizes the hard work and dedication of Indian Railways employees. The awards are divided into two categories: individual awards and shields for the best-performing Railway Zones. Individual awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of railway personnel, while the shields acknowledge outstanding achievements that enhance the overall performance of Indian Railways. This recognition not only motivates employees but also reinforces the commitment to making Indian Railways a more efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly organization.
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