NewzVille Desk
The Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar to 100 Railway officials and 26 Shields to best performing Zones in different categories yesterday at a function in New Delhi. The ceremony was graced by the Minister of State for Railways & Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, the Chairman & CEO of Railway Board, Satish Kumar, along with Members of the Railway Board and General Managers of various Railway Zones and Production Units.
Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw said that Indian Railways must move to an entirely new level to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Railways by 2047.
Congratulating railway employees for their dedication, he said their collective efforts have enabled Railways to overcome long-standing challenges, expand capacity, improve efficiency, and deliver major infrastructure and operational milestones.
Vaishnaw added that extensive track construction has led to a significant increase in railway capacity.
He noted that special trains were operated during all major rush seasons such as Diwali, Chhath, Christmas, and the summer period, ensuring smoother travel for passengers, and that a new benchmark was set in the previous year.
Vaishnaw said that Indian Railways has embarked on an ambitious reform roadmap for 2026 titled “52 weeks, 52 reforms”, under which one major reform will be implemented every week across key functional areas such as customer service, maintenance, production, quality management, health systems, and operations.
Addressing the gathering, V. Somanna congratulated railway employees and officers, describing Indian Railways as one of the world’s largest service organisations and crediting the Rail Parivar for ensuring safe and comfortable travel for millions every day.
He noted that rail connectivity has expanded to regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and the North East, citing major engineering achievements that have strengthened national integration.
He also referred to Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains for improved connectivity, and said the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper will enhance long-distance travel.
On the occasion, a commemorative coin marking 100 years of electrification in Indian Railways was also launched.
