Railways to discuss structural, cultural reforms

The Indian Railways will hold a conclave on Saturday to discuss structural and cultural reforms and ways to increase its market share and revenue, a Railway Ministry official said on Friday.

The day-long event, titled Sampark-Samanvay-Samvad (connection, coordination and conversation), will also see discussions on changes in processes and ways to increase market share and revenue of the national transporter by 40 per cent in freight transportation by 2022.

The official, who did not wish to be named, told IANS: "The meeting will be attended by Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and senior officials of the Railways."

The official also said that the Railways will explore if it is possible for a Rajdhani Express train to make a round trip within 24 hours, with half-an-hour gaps for inspection at either end, to maximise utilisation of such rakes.

The meeting will also deliberate on how to improve punctuality, comfort, safety and aesthetics in railway operations.

The official said that the senior railway officials have also been asked to come up with ideas and plans to devise a procurement process which would enable procurement of new technologies in a short period of time.

The meeting will address the issue of "happiness" among employees and find out what kind of incentives can be given to motivate them.

--IANS

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