New Delhi: Indian Railways is an institution
for national service and nation building, President Ram Nath
Kovind said today.
Addressing a group of probationary officers of various
rail services, he said that the rail network helps maintain
and spread the country's cultural heritage and traditions.
The president said Indian Railways is an institution for
national service and nation building, a statement issued by
the Rashtrapati Bhavan quoted him as saying.
In 2015-16 alone, Indian Railways serviced over eight
billion originating passengers.
The railways moves industrial and agricultural freight,
defence equipment and military personnel, Kovind said.
"Be it by mean of special trains run to accommodate the
rush for Kumbh Melas or the majestic 'Palace on Wheels' that
captures the imagination of people around the globe," he said.
Kovind said that trains are emerging as a means of mass
rapid transport within cities.
"Metro projects are being adopted by more and more cities
in a bid to provide fast, secure and affordable urban
connectivity," the president said, adding that this would also
help de-clog cities and reduce carbon footprint.
He reminded the probationary officers that they have
joined an institution that provides them a unique opportunity
to serve the nation and millions of citizens each day.
Kovind urged them to lead a life of optimism and develop
a sense of positivity.
"This will allow them to make meaningful changes both at
their work places as well as in society at large. It will also
allow them to nurture a spirit of innovation and emerge as
solution providers," the president said.
PTI
