New Delhi, Nov 12 (ANI): Union Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee along with both Ministers of State for Railways, E. Ahamed and K. H. Muniyappa, the entire Railway Board and the Railway employees unions chiefs in a single written joint appeal to railwaymen have called upon them to strengthen the railway system through sincere efforts and hard wok.

The joint appeal requested railwaymen to see to it that the Indian Railways does not lag behind any other organization in efficiency.

The appeal letter which is being sent to all members of the railway family, points out that the mammoth railway machinery has been working efficiently only due to the sheer dedication and hard work of railwaymen.

Reposing full faith in the confidence, capacity and capability of railwaymen, the joint appeal calls upon them to continue their hard work and dedication for realizing the motto ‘Service with Smile’ in the best interest of the public and the nation.

Referring to safety aspects in train operations, the joint appeal has emphasized the need for the railway men to be fully vigilant.

The railway top brass categorically mentioned that resorting to short cut methods in the discharge of duties was unacceptable.

Referring to the recent pay hikes in salaries and allowances, the joint appeal underscored that it now throws greater responsibility on railwaymen to pay back to the general public in the form of improved efficiency and a high quality service that is safe, secure and punctual.

The joint appeal exhorts all employees to ensure observance of all procedures and rules so as to enable Indian Railways to achieve its goal of efficiently transporting passengers and goods across the country.

The joint appeal also reminded railway employees of their duty to caution their fellow railwaymen who may be adopting unsafe and undesirable practices, which may lead to bad consequences.

Referring to the achievements of the Railways in the first six months of the current financial year, the joint appeal has pointed out that Railways have registered a growth of 6.45 per cent in freight transportation and 4.50 per cent growth in passenger transportation as compared to last year.

The Railways’ earnings have also shown growth of 6.7 per cent from over Rs. 37732 crore last year to over Rs. 40259 crore in the current financial year. Safety record of Railways has also improved with 68 consequential accidents (April - September, 2009) as compared to 91 accidents last year. (ANI)