Ashwini Vaishnaw Visits Banaras Locomotive Works, Shares Meal with Railway Employees
Railway Minister pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, interacts with employee unions and discusses women's empowerment and workplace facilities
Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi on October 31, 2026. During the visit, he paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, interacted with railway employees, shared a meal with staff members at the BLW canteen and held discussions with representatives of various employee organisations.
The visit focused on direct engagement with the workforce, understanding employees’ concerns and discussing measures to improve workplace facilities and employee welfare.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
During his visit, Vaishnaw paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, at the BLW Welcome Hall. He garlanded Patel’s portrait and recalled his contributions to India’s unity, integrity and national integration.
The Railway Minister said Sardar Patel’s role in bringing the country together would always remain unforgettable. He also highlighted the importance of remembering the contributions of national leaders and their role in shaping modern India.
Railway Minister Shares Meal with BLW Employees
One of the notable moments of the visit was Vaishnaw’s interaction with employees at the BLW staff canteen, where he stepped away from formal protocols to share a meal with railway personnel.
During the informal interaction, the minister spoke directly with employees and enquired about their working conditions, daily responsibilities and experiences. He also sought their feedback regarding the quality of food and facilities available at the canteen.
Employees shared their suggestions and discussed various aspects of their workplace experience. The minister’s decision to dine alongside staff members and engage in personal conversations generated enthusiasm among the workforce.
Employees appreciated his approachable manner and described the interaction as a memorable experience.
Discussions with Employee Unions and Associations
As part of the visit, Vaishnaw also held discussions with representatives of different employee organisations operating at BLW.
Representatives of the BLW Staff Council, SC/ST Association, BLW Mazdoor Sangh and BLW Men’s Congress participated in the interaction.
The representatives presented memoranda to the minister, highlighting their demands, concerns and suggestions relating to employee welfare and workplace issues.
Vaishnaw listened to their submissions and assured them that their concerns would receive appropriate consideration and positive action.
The interaction provided an opportunity for employee organisations to communicate directly with the Railway Minister and bring their demands to his attention.
Special Interaction with Women Employees
The Railway Minister also held a dedicated interaction with women employees working at Banaras Locomotive Works.
The discussions covered important issues relating to women’s empowerment, workplace safety, improvement of facilities and greater participation of women in railway operations.
Vaishnaw highlighted the significant contribution of women employees to the development and progress of Indian Railways.
The interaction also focused on creating a safe, supportive and conducive working environment for women across railway establishments.
Senior Railway Officials Present
Several senior railway officials and employee representatives were present during the minister’s visit.
These included Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar, BLW General Manager Ashutosh Pant, heads of various departments and other senior officials.
Joint Secretary of the BLW Staff Council Pradeep Yadav, other council members and representatives of different employee unions also participated in the programme. A large number of BLW employees were present on the occasion.
The visit highlighted the importance of direct communication between railway leadership and employees. Through interactions at the canteen, discussions with unions and a dedicated meeting with women employees, the minister sought to understand workforce-related issues and suggestions.
The engagement was aimed at strengthening employee participation and reinforcing the role of railway personnel in the functioning and development of Indian Railways.
