Safety to be principal focus for Indian Railways: Ashwani Lohani

August 31, 2017: Safety shall always remain the principal focus area for the Indian Railways, said the Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani in an open letter to the railwaymen across the country. He called upon the employees to always be on guard to ensure the highest level of safety in train operations and instill a renewed sense of confidence in railway passengers.

He said that Indian Railways had suffered a "serious dent" in the recent past due to "certain unfortunate incidents".

He emphasized that safety should always remain principal focused area.

In the letter, Lohani also stressed the need to resolve to bring about an all-round improvement in the working of the railways so that they are able to satisfactorily meet the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the vast multitude.

He also talked about cleanliness at railway stations, trains, operation ratio, welfare of the railwaymen, avoiding frills in the functions.

The aspect of operating ratio was also found a mention in Lohani's letter.

"Our operating ratio needs to be brought down considerably, not only by reducing expenditure but by increasing freight loading and also finding other means of non-conventional revenue generation to achieve a spurt in revenues," he said.

The country witnessed four derailments within last 10 days. Lohani, who took over Railway Board head in the backdrop of all this, said, “At this critical juncture when we are facing a serious issue with the image perception of the railways, I expect all my fellow Railwaymen to pitch in wholeheartedly to set this perception right. I am sure, with your cooperation, we will be able to achieve and re-establish the pristine glory of the brand Indian Railways.”