Railways Board Calls for Urgent Staffing to Handle Increased Assets

Railways Board Chairman Satish Kumar has urgently requested the Finance Ministry to approve the creation of non-gazetted posts for safe and reliable train operations. With the significant increase in railway assets and capital expenditure, Kumar emphasizes the need for additional manpower to maintain and manage these assets effectively.

The Railways Board Chairman, Satish Kumar, has underscored the need for immediate additional manpower to maintain the railways' growing assets and ensure safe train operations. He has urged the Finance Ministry to grant the board the authority to create non-gazetted posts in safety and essential categories.

In a detailed letter to Manoj Govil, Secretary (Expenditure) in the Finance Ministry, Kumar highlighted the sharp rise in capital expenditure over recent years, from Rs 1.48 lakh crores in 2019-20 to Rs 2.62 lakh crores in 2023-24. This increase in expenditure has significantly expanded the railway's assets, necessitating more staff for reliable and safe operations.

Kumar pointed out plans to further increase these assets with the Railways aiming to meet its Mission 3,000 MT target by 2030, up from the current 1,610 MT level. He stated that additional manpower is crucial for running more trains and maintaining infrastructure. Highlighting the critical need for safety, he said that outsourcing these tasks is not feasible. He concluded by calling for the delegation of powers to create necessary posts, stressing this will ensure the smooth operation of train services.

(With inputs from agencies.)