Focus on Railway safety, NE connectivity, says new MoS Rajen Gohain

NEW DELHI: Safety of passengers, improving amenities and expansion of rail connectivity in the entire North-East will be top priority for the new Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain, who took charge here today.

"I am from North-East. These states are hilly region. So getting rail connectivity in the region is a difficult task, but our government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to provide rail connectivity to all states of North- East by 2020 and we will work towards the goal," Gohain told PTI.

The BJP MP from Assam is the second MoS in the Ministry headed by Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu. The other MoS is Manoj Sinha.

"Today is my first day. I am getting briefed. It is a huge ministry and our country is also very vast," he said.

Emphasising on "safety and security", he said, "It is very crucial and steps have been taken to strengthen it. We will continue to do so."

He also highlighted the need for improvement in passenger amenities. "Amenities for passengers have definitely improved in comparison to the past. But there is still room for further improvement."

Gohain said punctuality is very important and many steps are being taken to improve the timing.

"Similarly initiatives are being taken to make the public grievance addressal system effective," he said.

Gohain, a law graduate, was actively involved in the six-year-long Assam agitation against illegal immigrants in early 1980s.