Kolkata, 19 September (H.S.): Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar conducted a high-level review meeting with the General Managers, Principal Heads of Departments and Divisional Railway Managers of various zonal railways through video conferencing on Saturday. The meeting focused on railway safety performance and other key operational and infrastructure-related issues.

Satish Kumar joined the meeting from the Railway Board headquarters in New Delhi along with Board members and senior officials. From Eastern Railway headquarters at Fairlie Place, Kolkata, General Manager Geetika Pandey participated in the meeting along with the Additional General Manager and Principal Heads of Departments. Divisional Railway Managers and other senior officials also attended through video conferencing.

During the meeting, Geetika Pandey presented an overview of Eastern Railway’s safety performance and the progress of various important safety-related works. She highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening safety management, expanding CCTV surveillance, gradually eliminating level crossings and modernising signalling systems through the replacement and upgradation of mechanical lever frames and panel interlocking systems.

The progress of Kavach, Indian Railways’ indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, was also reviewed. Particular attention was given to its implementation along the high-density Delhi–Howrah route.

The meeting also reviewed major infrastructure development and passenger amenity projects being undertaken by Eastern Railway. Discussions covered comprehensive track maintenance, the progress of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs), as well as engineering measures being taken to address waterlogging at identified subways and Limited Height Subways.

Satish Kumar reviewed the progress of various safety and infrastructure works and appreciated Eastern Railway’s focused approach towards their systematic implementation and monitoring. He stressed the need for continued emphasis on safety, timely completion of projects and greater use of modern technology to further strengthen railway operations.

Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shibaram Majhi said, “Safety is the highest priority in every aspect of railway operations. Eastern Railway is continuously strengthening its safety systems, accelerating technological upgrades such as Kavach and modern signalling, and improving infrastructure to ensure safer, more reliable and passenger-friendly train operations.”

The review and guidance provided by the Railway Board Chairman and CEO are expected to further strengthen Eastern Railway’s efforts towards safe train operations, improved reliability and enhanced passenger services. Eastern Railway reiterated its commitment to providing a safe, efficient, punctual and passenger-friendly railway system through continuous infrastructure upgrades and adoption of modern technology.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey