Bengaluru: “I have had to play a very delicate role to strike a balance between development and environment. I feel I have been able to take every far reaching initiatives to inculcate new technologies and at the same time taking care of the complex environmental issues confronting us today”, said Suresh Prabhu, Union Railway Minister.
Prabhu gave insights on the numerous advancements yet to take place for the benefit of the common man, during the 31st Edition of Vichaarmanthan hosted in Kristu Jayanti College on January 16.
“There will be double electrification in the coming five years and we plan to make around 90% of the railway lines electrified, which would go hand in hand with the developmental strategies and environmental policies,” said Prabhu. The government has taken eco-friendly measures for the electrification process using renewable energy resources. He also mentioned about the latest SMS facility intended to take care of the cleanliness and sanitation issues in railways. The safety measures are also renewed with the introduction of the Zero Accident Policy, a massive campaign which plans to reduce accidents mainly derailment.
The introduction of Super Bullet trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is another chief highlight that would be adopted in India. The nation will pioneer the technologies that support the same. The Antyodaya Express, Humsafar train and soon to be introduced Tejas Express are the further developments in the sector.
Suresh Prabhu, during his address, spoke on queries selected from the addressees regarding the developments in the Ministry of Railway. Lack of investments, he said, is one of the major problems faced by the Ministry today. The pressure of modernization has increased but resources are not rightly channeled. Rather than expecting funds from the Finance Ministry, the Indian Railway aims at raising them within the industry by making maximum use of the available assets. The implementation of the E-catering facility would be a great revolution in the department of Railways by providing desired cuisines for the passengers regardless of regional differences. The initiative also provides financial stability to local Self Help Groups, enabling them to sell their products in a wider market.
Suresh Prabhu envisioned his vision and mission of transforming India globally through Railways by means of innovative ideas put forth by the people of the country.
The one hour talk session held at the SKE auditorium was attended by Mariamma Varghese, former Vice Chancellor SNDT, S K Gupta, General Manager, South Western Railways. Fr. Josekutty P D, Principal delivered the welcome address in the honor of Prabhu and remarked him as a visionary who possesses dynamic leadership skills. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has held several government and semi government positions and is currently working on 16 global organizations and 9 strategic dialogues were added.
Fr. Augustine George, Vice Principal; Fr. Lijo P Thomas , Financial Administrator; Prof. Calistus Jude, Dean, Dept. Life Science; Prof. Edward Aloysius , Dean, Dept. Management; Prof. Goapakumar AV, Dean, Dept. Humanities, Ms. Gauri Vinod and Mr. Chris Joshua, Student coordinators, Literary and Cultural Association, were also present.
Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), affiliated to Bangalore University is accredited ‘A’ Grade by NAAC.The College is administered by CMI Congregation, and offers two PhD Programmes, Ten Post Graduate and Fourteen Under Graduate programmes in myriad disciplines.
