Railways to make its employees stylish with designer uniforms by Ritu Beri

Railway ministry is looking to refit its 13 lakh-odd workforce with new uniforms created by designer Ritu Beri. The first phase will extend the makeover to five lakh employees at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.

Soon, railway employees will sport spiffy new uniforms, created by fashion designer Ritu Beri, that weave in depictions of Indian culture.

One of the designs created by Ritu Beri for the new uniform railway employees will be given at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore in the first phase. (PTI Photo)

The noted designer was roped in to give about 13 lakh employees a dress makeover to instill a sense of pride in the profession, according to a senior official involved in the project.

Five days ago, Beri submitted four different sets of uniform, each with a distinct texture, to the railway ministry. The public transporter intends to launch an online initiative on Twitter, Facebook and the ministry’s website seeking public opinion to help it select the final design.

Once finalised, employees will be refitted in phases, with five lakh being issued the uniform in the first phase at an estimated cost of about Rs 50 crore. They will comprise front office staff, guards, drivers and catering personnel, onboard staff, station masters, loco pilots, train ticket examiners and gangmen.

Talking about the designs, Beri said the look of the uniform is meant to be an ode to India and her exoticism.

The currency theme created by Ritu Beri for the new uniform railway employees will be given.

“The focus is to reflect modern India while respecting our deep-rooted tradition and culture, thus reflecting the glory of India. The uniforms will be Indo-western in cut and silhouette with comfort being the most important factor,” she said.

The present railway staff uniform, including TTEs, station masters and guards, were designed decades ago.

The new uniform is expected to be rolled out by the end of the year, the official said, adding a common uniform can be worn for ceremonial occasions like Railway Day, sporting events and prize distribution ceremonies.