I believe in avoiding frills, railway safety top priority: Ashwani Lohani

He would also focus on the cleanliness of stations, catering and linen on trains

Newly-appointed Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani's top priority for his office would be the safety, especially after back-to-back accidents in less than a month. And, to immediately focus on it, he is ready to avoid any frill in the form of bouquets, gifts, lavish celebrations and excessive protocol, among others.

Lohani said in a letter dated August 28, before Tuesday morning's derailment of Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express, to employees that Indian Railways had suffered a "serious dent" in the recent past.

"I personally believe in avoiding any frills in the form of bouquets, gifts, lavish celebrations, excessive protocol etc. These divert our attention from our