Safety an important issue: Railway Minister D V Sadanand Gowda

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of the Gorakdham train mishap which claimed 25 lives, the new Railway Minister D V Sadanand Gowda today said that safety is an "important" issue for railways which has to be taken care of.

"Safety is one of the important factors that need to be taken care of by the Railway Ministry," Gowda, who has been allocated the crucial infrastructure portfolio, told reporters here.

The death toll in the train mishap, that took place near Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 25, with preliminary report suggesting that a fracture in the tracks could have led to the accident.

Observing that there are many challenges confronting the Railways, Gowda said they would brace them and resolve the problems.

The minister said that he has to study all the issues in detail and discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the goals ahead.

"I should discuss with my Prime Minister what his idea is and which aspect we should give focus to. I need another 10 days time to come before the public to explain what is the road map before me," he said.

Asked about an ambitious project to run bullet trains in the country, he said the concept has already been emphasised by the Prime Minister during his election campaign.

"Certainly, I wil discuss it with him".