New Delhi, 20 April (H.S.):

President Droupadi Murmu said that railways and roads are not merely modes of transport, but the foundation of strong and prosperous economies. She underlined that infrastructure development is a vital tool for economic expansion, social inclusion and national unity.

The President made these remarks while interacting at Rashtrapati Bhavan with probationary officers of the Indian Railways and assistant executive engineers from the Central Engineering Service (Roads). Officers from the 2022 and 2023 batches of the Indian Railways, as well as assistant executive engineers from the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 batches of the Central Engineering Service (Roads), had been invited for the meeting.

Addressing the young officers, President Murmu said they had entered public service at a time when the country is moving forward rapidly with the resolve of Viksit Bharat. As young officers in the Indian Railways and Central Engineering Service (Roads), she noted, their decisions and actions will directly affect the quality of life of millions of citizens.

She said infrastructure forms the base on which modern nations are built. Railways and highways are not only means of transport; they are instruments of economic growth, social inclusion and national integration. When a train reaches a remote village or a highway connects a region, it opens new opportunities for social and economic development. Strong infrastructure reduces logistics costs, boosts trade and attracts investment.

The President said robust infrastructure lowers logistics expenses, promotes trade, attracts investment and improves productivity. By bringing different regions and communities closer together, it also strengthens national unity. She advised the officers to remember that success cannot be measured by statistics alone; the true test of their work lies in how it improves people’s lives.

She urged them to uphold the values of honesty, accountability and excellence. She added that these values will guide them in times of challenge and difficult decisions. The President also encouraged them to keep learning, remain curious and foster innovation.

President Murmu said they are not merely administrators, but carriers of progress and guardians of public trust, and that their decisions will have a lasting impact on the country’s future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar