Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has said that innovative techniques are soon being introduced to eliminate rail accidents. These include revamping the existing signalling system by use of TPWS – Train protection and Warning System and MTRC, Mobile Train Radio Communication. He said, the remaining 5000 unmanned level crossings will be eliminated in a time bound manner.
Addressing media this morning alongwith MoS Manoj Sinha and Chairman Railway Board Ashwini Lohani in New Delhi, he said, Railways is committed to ensuring high standards of safety, speed and service for passengers and ensuring national wealth to contribute to national development. He said, priority is being given to track renewal over new lines.
The Minister said, CCTV cameras are being installed in coaches and stations for enhanced security. He said, RPF staff and TTEs have been instructed to be in proper uniform while on duty to bring in transparency. Mr Goyal said, electrification of rail tracks will be completed by next 4-5 years. This will lead to savings in energy costs over 10,000 crore while reducing pollution and dependence on imported diesel.
Railway Minister said, in last one month, Railways has taken significant transformative steps for making Railways the engine that fuels development journey towards a new India. He said, about 20 stations will be modernised in an expedited manner with superior infrastructure and passenger facilities including disabled friendly by December 2018. It is also proposed to increase speed of around 700 trains with effect from November this year. He said, 48 trains are being converted from mail express to the superfast category.
