Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Urges IRMS Officer Trainees to Drive India's Rail Transformation and Nation-Building

SRINAGAR, Aug 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday addressed officer trainees of the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow, during their field visit to Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, innovation and public service while contributing to the transformation of Indian Railways and the nation's development. Interacting with 69 officer trainees of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), selected through the Civil Services Examination of 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated them and highlighted their pivotal role in shaping the future of the country's railway system. Describing the trainees as the "torchbearers of New India's pace, capability and resolve," Sinha said the diversity of their academic backgrounds and representation from various States and Union Territories reflected the spirit of national unity. Highlighting the transformation of Indian Railways over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said record electrification, expansion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, the realization of rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the introduction of Vande Bharat trains and the modernization of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme marked a new era for the national transporter. He said Indian Railways has evolved beyond being a passenger transport network and has emerged as a key driver of economic growth, logistics efficiency and national integration. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the officer trainees to discharge their responsibilities not only as efficient administrators but also as nation-builders. He stressed the need to ensure efficiency in freight and passenger transportation while maintaining the highest standards of safety, financial discipline and public service. Sinha also outlined three guiding principles for the trainees—embracing innovation through digital technologies, artificial intelligence and data-driven systems; adopting a citizen-centric approach with accessibility and sensitivity; and upholding integrity and transparency in managing national assets and investments. Expressing confidence in the country's progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, the Lieutenant Governor said the decisions, leadership and vision of the young officers would play a significant role in shaping India's future and urged them to remain committed to selfless service to the nation. Course Director and Professor (Traffic Planning and Costing) Rahul, along with officials and faculty members of the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management, were also present on the occasion. ANB