Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani today said that infrastructure, safety and technology were major focus areas for the Railways, adding that the public transporter was undertaking massive structural development to bridge the gap between demand and shortfall.
"Infrastructure, safety and technology are three key areas for the Railways now. The need for infrastructure has gone up with the increasing number of passengers. Safety also remains our major focus. Besides, we are introducing technology and setting up new factories," Lohani said.
He added, "The Railways is undertaking massive structural development to fill the gap between demand and shortfall. Capital expenditure has gone up. New tracks are being laid. Completion of Railway projects needs time. Outlay has been doubled in the past few years."
Lohani was here to inaugurate 63rd Railway Week celebrations currently underway at the Bhopal Haat campus here.
"We are increasing the number of coaches to meet the increase in passengers. New factories are being set up. Efforts are being made to increase the number of coaches to 24 in more trains," he said.
He said that new technologies were being deployed to improve signals, run high speed trains, install CCTVs and provide Wi-fi facilities.
Replying to a query on punctuality of trains, Lohani said that it was "disturbed" as the main focus was on passenger safety. "Punctuality is improving now," he said.
Speaking about the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, Lohani said it would be operational in certain sections by 2022 and on the entire route by 2023.
Lohani informed that provision of toilets for the staff had been made in the engines being manufactured now. The facility was not available in older engines.
The Railway Board chairman said that the speed of trains would go up after the completion of some corridors, connecting different regions, by 2020.
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