Railway Land Encroachment: Vaishnaw Calls for Humane Approach to Protect Livelihoods

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday reaffirmed that providing a comfortable and improved travel experience for the poor and middle class remains the top priority of Indian Railways. He made the remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting with railway officials from across the country at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.

The minister congratulated the entire railway workforce for its strong performance over the past year, highlighting a historic reduction in rail accidents, record freight loading, and the successful operation of special trains during festival seasons. He said these achievements have significantly enhanced the public image of Indian Railways.

Emphasising passenger experience, Vaishnaw said railway stations serve as the face of Indian Railways and must be kept clean and well-maintained. He directed officials to ensure dedicated efforts toward cleanliness and better amenities, adding that funds allocated for railway modernisation should be utilised efficiently to transform stations and improve facilities.

The minister also stressed the need for better crowd management, especially during peak travel periods, so that passengers can access platforms and board trains without inconvenience. He asked officials to prioritise spending on projects that enhance passenger convenience and accessibility.

Addressing the issue of pending land acquisition for railway projects, Vaishnaw instructed officials to expedite the process and seek support from experienced retired officers of state revenue and forest departments to resolve bottlenecks.

On the sensitive issue of railway land encroachment, the minister underscored the importance of protecting livelihoods. He directed officials to adopt a humane and compassionate approach, in coordination with state governments, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

In a key decision, the ministry reiterated its preference for constructing underpasses (puliyas) instead of foot overbridges wherever feasible. Vaishnaw noted that underpasses are more user-friendly and improve accessibility both within and outside station premises. Pilot projects will be launched across the country, with designs accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheelers, and in some cases, larger vehicles like tractors.

The meeting also reviewed train punctuality, with the minister praising railway zones that maintained or improved performance beyond 85 percent despite operational challenges.

Reiterating his vision, Vaishnaw said that with sustained efforts, efficient planning, and a passenger-centric approach, Indian Railways will continue to enhance safety, service quality, and overall travel experience nationwide.