Railways to consider forming multi-modal transportation system

  Railways to consider forming multi-modal transportation system 

 PTI

New Delhi, Jan 14:  

Railways is finalising a multi-modal transportation system in coordination with other agencies to serve the passengers in a better way.

Acknowledging problems concerning train services, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today said an integrated policy is needed to address these.

“There are problems and I am aware of it. There is a need for integrated policy to address those problems,” he said here while participating in an interactive session organised by Zee news to highlight problems being faced by passengers.

Welcoming suggestions from the public to improve rail system, he said, “Railways should not become an arena of politics. It is an asset of the nation.”

He said this when told that successive railway ministers had used Railways to further their political interest.

“In order to cater to the needs of passengers, an integrated multi-modal transportations system will be formed. We are working out details in consultation with other concerned agencies,” he said.

Though Prabhu did not elaborate on it, the system is perhaps aimed at integrating various modes transportation like bus and Metro service with train schedule to provide end to end service to commuters so that a passenger after alighting from a train gets a convenient transport to reach home.

He also highlighted the need for a perspective plan for five years as a mid-term vision to take the national transporter on the growth track.

“Annual Rail Budget is alright. But there is a need for five years perspective plan as a mid-term vision for the Railways. We will come out with such plan,” Prabhu said this when asked about the forthcoming Rail Budget.

“It is important to know and identify the problems plaguing Railways. That is why we are bringing out a White Paper identifying those problems and also suggest ways to address those issues,” he said.

(This article was published on January 14, 2015)