Rajiv Chaudhry, General Manager Northern & North Central Railways held a performance review meeting with the departmental heads of Northern Railway through video conferencing. Among other things special emphasis was given on train operations during the rainy season. The running of trains has its own challenges in the monsoons which includes water logging, inundation and collection of mud and pebbles on the tracks. He advised everyone to be active and vigilant to maintain top operational capabilities. He also added that intensive checking of tracks, major and minor bridges and crossings should be thoroughly checked by increasing patrolling.

He also called upon the concerned department to clear vegetation from the embankments of the track. Due to the rainy season, the fast growth in vegetation, infringing the tracks and overhead electric wires is another major issue. The divisions have taken permission from the civil authorities and the Forest Department for tree chopping wherever required.

Indian Railways is focusing on increasing the mobility of the passenger and freight trains under the project ‘Raftaar.’ Sections have been defined in all zones where infrastructure is to be upgraded to facilitate running of trains upto 160 kmph. GM emphasised on the need of periodic overhauling of the rolling stock i.e. locomotives, coaches and wagons to increase their working abilities. Doubling and electrification of high density routes are to be taken up, for this Detailed Project Reports (DPR) should be prepared and submitted on priority.

Taking note of the working of the Business Development Units of the five divisions, GM lauded their efforts. He stated that freight transportation, both inter and intra state, should be targeted upon.