Finance Minister Reviews Railways Ministry’s Capex Plan, Emphasises Safety and Convenience
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently conducted a review of the capital expenditure capex plan of the Railways Ministry. During the meeting, she underscored the importance of prioritizing commuter safety and convenience. Sitharaman urged officials to expedite the phased implementation of Kavach, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Additionally, she emphasized the need to meet the allocated capex targets within the specified timeframe.
Kavach Implementation On Over 3,000 Route Kilometers
Railways Ministry officials informed Sitharaman that Kavach-related works are currently underway on over 3,000 route kilometers. Notably, this includes sections such as the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes. The Accelerating the development of Kavach will enhance commuter safety and contribute towards improving overall railway infrastructure.
Enhancing “Ease of Living” for Citizens
Highlighting the government’s focus on improving citizens’ “ease of living,” Sitharaman urged the Ministry to prioritize capacity augmentation, safety measures, and commuter convenience. According to the Union Budget’s capex provisions, this means doubling and electrifying existing tracks, as well as laying new railway lines. The Finance Minister also called for the accelerated conversion of 40,000 standard rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards. This conversion was previously announced in the Interim Budget of 2024-25 and is aimed at enhancing passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.
Capex Review: Achieving Targets and Building on Progress
The recent meeting is part of a series of reviews with ministries and departments that have significant capex allocations in the Union Budget. Sitharaman stressed the importance of achieving the capex targets for the fiscal year 2024-25. Additionally, she emphasized the need to build on the progress made during the government’s initial 100 days. The Finance Minister’s interventions aim to ensure that limited resources are optimally utilized and result in significant improvements in the railway sector.
In conclusion, the Finance Minister’s review of the Railways Ministry’s capex plan underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing commuter safety and convenience. The phased implementation of the indigenous ATP system, Kavach, and the focus on capacity augmentation and safety measures demonstrate the authorities’ determination to improve the overall railway experience. Achieving the capex targets and building on the progress made will not only benefit the commuters but also bolster the national economy.
