The Hindu : Rly. officials told to conduct surprise checks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003

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Rly. officials told to conduct surprise checks

By Our Staff Correspondent

PATNA July 8. The Railway Minister, Nitish Kumar, told presspersons here today that the current spate of accidents posed a challenge and he had to continue in his post and discharge his duties.

He said that his resignation as Railway Minister in the aftermath of the Ghaisal tragedy had been termed a "drama and political stunt" and in such a situation he considered it proper to work for the improvement of the system.

The Railway Minister said he has convened a two-day workshop in Delhi beginning July 12 to interact with all those involved in the operation and maintenance of trains and railway tracks. He said safety measures recommended by the Justice Khanna Committee and those contained in the reports of Commissioners of Railway Safety were being implemented.

Mr. Kumar said he had directed all top officials to conduct surprise inspections. He mooted the idea of going in for a corporate safety plan if needed.

The Minister denied differences within the Railway Board following the appointment of R.K. Singh as Chairman. He refuted allegations that the Railways had not taken to task officials found guilty and asserted that all such recommendations by probe committees, including in the case of the Ghaisal tragedy had been carried out. The Minister carried out a surprise inspection of the Danapur Railway Division and transferred three senior officials for dereliction of duty. In a similar exercise at the Patna Railway Junction, Mr. Kumar found the Commercial Supervisor in the Parcel Section sleeping on a bench and ordered disciplinary action.

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