Will compensate fare hike with better service 
Story Dated: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 14:53 hrs IST
Interview/Pawan Kumar Bansal, railway minister
Pawan Kumar Bansal has a
challenging task: turn around the Railways' fortunes. Immediately after
taking charge, he spoke to THE WEEK about the way forward for his
ministry.
What would be your immediate focus?
Rail services have fallen in the last few years. There are increasing numbers of complaints with regard to the services. Safety and security are big concerns... and these areas need immediate attention. We will work on that accordingly.
Do you have any plans to correct the anomalies?
I am a regular rail traveller, as I go to Chandigarh every week. People have come to me during my travels and said that even if you hike the fare, provide us good service. So we intend to better the service. I have just taken charge. I will meet the board members and officials in the coming days to decide on the action plan.
Are you hinting at an increase in fares?
Fares won't be increased for the sake of increase. It will be increased in a manner that consumers will not complain about. We will compensate the hike with better and timely service. But it won't be done in a hurry.
What are the other areas where you plan to focus?
We need to expedite work on Dedicated Freight Corridor, since this will benefit the people. Modernisation of Railways has started and it needs impetus at the moment. Wait for a few days and you will see the changes coming in.
Any specific regions you would be focusing on?
All the regions will get their due from the Railways. With support from officials and the people, we will do all the necessary things.
What would be your immediate focus?
Rail services have fallen in the last few years. There are increasing numbers of complaints with regard to the services. Safety and security are big concerns... and these areas need immediate attention. We will work on that accordingly.
Do you have any plans to correct the anomalies?
I am a regular rail traveller, as I go to Chandigarh every week. People have come to me during my travels and said that even if you hike the fare, provide us good service. So we intend to better the service. I have just taken charge. I will meet the board members and officials in the coming days to decide on the action plan.
Are you hinting at an increase in fares?
Fares won't be increased for the sake of increase. It will be increased in a manner that consumers will not complain about. We will compensate the hike with better and timely service. But it won't be done in a hurry.
What are the other areas where you plan to focus?
We need to expedite work on Dedicated Freight Corridor, since this will benefit the people. Modernisation of Railways has started and it needs impetus at the moment. Wait for a few days and you will see the changes coming in.
Any specific regions you would be focusing on?
All the regions will get their due from the Railways. With support from officials and the people, we will do all the necessary things.
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