Lohani lays emphasis on highest level of safety -Governance Now

Lohani lays emphasis on highest level of safety

Newly-appointed chairman of railway board writes to 1.3 million employees to lay emphasis on concrete measures to improve safety

Vishwas Dass | August 29, 2017 | New Delhi

#Mumbai #derailment #safety #Ashwani Lohani #Railways #Auraiya #Muzaffarnagar

(Photo: Twitter/@RailMinIndia)

Chairman railway board (CRB) Ashwani Lohani wrote a letter to railwaymen to ensure highest level of safety, just hours after the derailment of Nagpur-Mumbai CST Duranto express on Tuesday.

Lohani, who took charge on August 24, pointed out the need to deal with the evils of corruption, sexual harassment at work places and alcohol abuse while on duty. These are social evils and need to be dealt firmly with an iron hand, he added.

The two derailments in Uttar Pradesh—first at Khatauli and second at Auraiya -- have exposed lack of coordination among safety wing officials across the railways.

Sources opined that it would take some time to bring in substantial changes in the railways. Filling the vacancies of safety wing should be the utmost priority of the CRB, sources said.

In his letter, Lohani emphasised that safety should always remain principle focused area.

Known for his no nonsense attitude, the CRB stressed on the changes needed in the working style of the railways to meet the goals, expectations and aspirations of the vast multitude.

“It is the men on the field who, regardless of their personal inconveniences and hardships, ensure that the wheels of the nation keep moving surely and safely. This is what makes the Indian Railways the most visible symbol of dynamic delivery in our country,” the letter states.

The ministry in a statement said through his letter, the CRB has established a dialogue with its 1.3 million employees.

In one of the interactions with senior officials, Lohani asked them to improve coordination with their subordinates and spend more time in the field to ensure safer operations. Sources said he has asked top officials not to spend much time at the ministry and rather visit different zones and divisions to check measures taken for safety, cleanliness and security.

Sources said Lohani is taking safety meetings regularly with the railway board members and general managers of all the 17 zonal railways to ensure no major mishap takes place. "Currently his main agenda is to ensure safe operations under any circumstances," a source said.

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