Railway GMs told to pull up their socks

Lalu Yadav directs top officials to pull up their socks and ensure timebound completion of all ongoing projects, reports HS Bartwal.

Railway Minister Lalu Yadav on Tuesday directed top officials from various railway zones in the country to pull up their socks and ensure timebound completion of all ongoing projects and schemes.

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While expressing satisfaction at the “commendable” financial and physical achievements during the first half of the year, he warned them against becoming complacent saying that the growth rate achieved must be sustained, particularly in view of the beginning of the eleventh five year plan next year.

At the two-day conference of general managers from all zonal railways that began here , the minister told them that with delegation of greater financial powers and better availability of funds,they should be in a position to complete all pending work within the deadlines.They were also asked to set up a zonal task force to oversee the completion of ongoing projects.

The conference will also serve as a brainstorming session for senior officialdom of Indian Railways to take stock of the proposals announced in this year’s Railway Budget.These include starting new trains, setting up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the dedicated freight corridor, measures to boost the railways’ revenue, setting up 100 budget hotels and model stations.

Besides Lalu and the two ministers of state , Naranbhai Rathwa and R.Velu, the chairman and officials of the Railway Board and representatives of various railway associations also attended the meet.