Railway Board chairman slams officials for receiving him at Mumbai airport

Lohani’s remarks came after some officials had gone to the airport to receive him, despite asking them not to do soMUMBAI Updated: Oct 02, 2017 

Aroosa Ahmed  Hindustan Times

Ashwini Lohani is known as a task master.(HT)

Ashwini Lohani, the chairman of the Railway Board, criticised officials for red-tape and ‘babu culture’ during a meeting at Western Railway’s headquarters at Churchgate on Saturday.

Lohani’s remarks came after some officials had gone to the airport to receive him, despite asking them not to do so.

According to a source, officials were asked to reach directly at the meeting venue.

Senior railway officials and heads of departments of the Western and Central Railways had received him at the airport. Miffed with the protocol gesture followed by rail officials, Lohani has asked his staff to give him an entire list of officers, who had received him. He further said that he would take personal action against the officers.

Lohani told HT that the protocol culture in the railways will be over soon.

“I finished the protocol culture in Air India and I will also make sure that it gets over in the railways. It will happen soon,’’ said Lohani.

Just after taking the charge, Lohani had ordered all railway officers to not accept any gift on festive season.

He also said that strict action would be taken against railway officers, who are found taking bribe.

The Railway Board chairman, is even particular about paying for his own food at the canteen of the Railway Board in Delhi.