New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated on Friday that ensuring a quality travel experience for the economically disadvantaged and middle-class citizens is the foremost priority for Indian Railways.

During a review meeting held at Rail Bhawan, the minister urged railway officials from various regions to collaborate effectively in achieving this objective.

He pointed out that the notable decrease in railway accidents coupled with record freight loading has greatly enhanced the reputation of Indian Railways nationwide. The minister commended the successful operation of numerous special trains during festive seasons, which catered to the heightened travel demand.

Vaishnaw congratulated the railway zones that have achieved outstanding punctuality rates, particularly those that have managed to exceed 85% punctuality despite facing operational hurdles.

Stressing the significance of passenger satisfaction, he asserted that railway stations represent Indian Railways to the public and must be kept clean and well-maintained. He encouraged officials to dedicate themselves fully to enhancing cleanliness and passenger amenities at all stations. Citing the record funding for railway modernization over the last decade, he emphasized the need for optimal fund utilization to upgrade railway stations and improve passenger services.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the necessity for effective crowd management during peak times, especially during festivals, to ensure that passengers can access platforms and board trains with ease and without issues. He instructed officials to prioritize the allocation of funds aimed at improving passenger convenience and accessibility.

The discussion also included the pending land acquisition for ongoing railway projects, with the minister directing officials to expedite the process and, if needed, consult with experienced retired officers from state Revenue and Forest Departments to resolve any obstacles.

In addressing the sensitive concerns of individuals residing near railway tracks, the minister highlighted the importance of not adversely impacting their livelihoods. He directed railway officials to approach these matters with empathy and sensitivity, in collaboration with state governments, recognizing that this is a crucial issue in many urban areas requiring timely and compassionate solutions.

The meeting also revisited the prior decision on constructing rail underpasses. It was agreed that, whenever beneficial, convenient and accessible underpasses should take precedence over foot overbridges for crossing railway tracks, both inside and outside station premises. The minister noted that underpasses are generally more user-friendly and are expected to see higher usage rates by the public.

Furthermore, it was decided to initiate pilot projects in various regions across the country to construct such underpasses. These will be designed to facilitate movement for not just pedestrians but also bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, with some designs allowing larger vehicles like tractors. The plans will be tailored to accommodate the needs of both urban and rural areas.