Mamata Banerjee promises to make Indian Railways accident-free

NEW DELHI - Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the Government is making efforts to ensure railway operations accident-free by introducing new technology, expected to be operational within six months to one year.

ddressing at the Economic Editors’ Conference, the Railway Minister said the Government has undertaken steps for installing anti-collision device (ACD), train protection warning system (TPWS) and SIMRAN (Satellite imaging rail navigation system) to prevent train accidents.

“Within six months to one year, these devices will be operational ” said Mamata, adding “our policy is to make railway zero-tolerance zone for accidents. Despite heavy odds, we are going ahead with these projects for the safety of passengers.”

alking about various pending rail projects, Mamata disclosed: “Railways require about Rs 100,000 crores to complete the pending projects.”

While explaining the Railways fiscal position, Mamata said the Sixth Pay Commission has made a dent on the Public Sector Unit’s financial health.

She said the Railways gave Rs 55,000 crore as payments to its employees as a result of the implementation of the Pay Commission. It also gave Rs 15,000 crore as pension.

“We managed the burden of the Pay Commission from our own internal generation and we did it without increasing any passenger fares,” she said, adding that her ministry was striving to put a check on expenditure to improve the operating ratio of railways.

“Our aim is to improve the operating ratio from 95 per cent to 92 per cent,” she said.

On being asked about repeated disruptions in Kolkata Metro operation, Mamata blamed it on disgruntled elements sabotaging train operations.

While speaking on the issue of the proposed world class railway station for New Delhi, Mamata said “there were matters to be sorted with the Delhi Government and the project would be on the cards soon.” (ANI)