At a press conference, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal stressed that safety has been the first priority of Railways, and that the passengers know why more trains are getting delayed.
Highlighting the achievements of his ministry, Goyal said Railways had registered its best ever safety record in 2017-18 with consequential train accidents reduced to 62% – from 118 in 2013-14 to 73 in 2017-18.
Railways reported punctuality of 80% (and above) even a few months ago. Railway officials claimed that it has also been the average score for the last decade or so.
Goyal further added that, “Maintenance of the tracks, which was due for decades, is causing train delays. The passengers are well aware why the trains are getting delayed and they know that the Indian Railways is getting future-ready. Everyone knows what we have received in inheritance.’’
As of now, train delays are to be expected as track maintenance work continues. Railways promises minimum delays once the work is complete.
