New Delhi, June 18: After reviewing the serious issue of train punctuality with zonal officials, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways & Coal reiterated that punctuality of the trains needs to be improved without affecting the routine maintenance. Coming against the backdrop of complaints from passengers over the train delays, Goyal said wherever train is delayed during meal time, Railways will ensure food and water is provided for passengers.

Reports inform that trains in these four zones have been running late for over six-seven hours for the last few months. As per details by ministry officials, the railways in these four zones are running late due to the extensive drive of track maintenance taken up in the recent times.

In his address, Goyal said that punctuality, cleanliness and catering were three issues on which Railways has done reviews of a total of seven zones. “While efforts to improve punctuality will be taken without compromising our efforts on safety; any work related to safety will be given highest priority”, Goyal said.  The General Managers and officials of the Northern Railways, North Central Railway, East Central Railway and North Eastern Railways were all present during the meeting.

The Minister further reiterated that the government wants Indian Railways to be an active participant in promoting cleanliness across network. “We'll work towards passenger engagement and create awareness among passengers. Wherever train is delayed during meal time, we'll ensure food and water is provided for passengers”, Goyal added. He stressed on the installation of CCTVs in kitchens of IRCTC so it may be remotely monitored by the concerned officials.

Earlier, Goyal called upon railwaymen to work hard to make the public transporter a world-class entity in terms of technology, service and safety. “I call upon railwaymen to work hard to make Indian Railways world class in terms of technology, services and safety. I am fully confident that you can do this,” Goyal had said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 18, 2018 03:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).