Safety of passengers top priority: Joshi

Joshi, who has been given additional charge of railways after TMC withdrew support to the UPA government, said he will set the agenda for his ministry after holding discussions with railways officials.

Talking to reporters after his maiden visit to Rail Bhawan here, Joshi said, "Safety will be my top priority, along with passenger amenities and modernisation of rail infrastructure."

"The aim is that railways have an active role in India's economic growth," he said.

Asked about the extra burden on railways due to rollback of the proposed hike in passenger fares, the minister said, "It is too early to talk (about it). I will discuss these issues with my officials. Let me first understand the ministry."

Railways would have made Rs 4,000 crore from the proposed fare hike which would have also taken care of the financial crunch being faced by it.

Railways is also facing challenges on fronts like safety and modernisation of infrastructure.