FM Sitharaman Urges Railways to Prioritize Safety

23 Sep 2024 CW Team

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the Railways Ministry's capital expenditure (capex) plans, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and convenience of commuters. She urged officials to expedite the implementation of the Kavach system, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology, and to meet the allocated capex targets within the stipulated timeframe.

Officials from the Ministry of Railways informed Sitharaman that Kavach-related projects are underway across over 3,000 route kilometers on key corridors, including the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai sections.

Highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing citizens' 'ease of living,' Sitharaman directed the Railways to focus on capacity augmentation. This includes the doubling and electrification of existing railway tracks and the construction of new lines, all aligned with the capex provisions outlined in the Union Budget.

Additionally, she called for the swift conversion of 40,000 standard rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards, a move designed to improve safety and passenger comfort.

Sitharaman reiterated the importance of achieving the capex targets for FY 2024-25 in a timely manner, building on the momentum established in the first 100 days of the current government. This meeting is part of a series of reviews with various ministries and departments responsible for significant capex allocations in the Union Budget.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..