Guwahati, August 28 (MExN): Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain held a review meeting with senior officials, including General Managers, of both NF Railway and NF Railway Construction Organization in Maligaon, Guwahati on August 28. Gohain was apprised by General Manager, NF Railway Construction Organization that Bogibeel Bridge will be completed in all respect by October 31, 2018, informed a press release from PJ Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, NF Railway. Almost all works of the bridge has been progressing as planned and it will be ready in all respect by October this year, it was conveyed. The meeting also informed that punctuality of Mail/Express trains has steadily increased from 58.53% in January 2018 to 83.41% up to August 26, 2018. During the period, the number of trains that had failed to run on time decreased from 1019 to 448 and most of the delays were less than 60 minutes, it was stated. While in January 2018, 677 trains ran with more than 60 minutes delays, the number decreased to 280 in months after that. The minister, while appreciating the impressive performance, also stressed on targeting at least 90% punctuality. He was further informed that out of the 674 stations in NF Railway (including Halt Stations), 420 stations have already been brought under cleanliness programmes and the rest will be covered soon. According to the release, the minister took stock of performances of NF Railway in terms of progress of various construction projects and other parameters and discussed punctuality, cleanliness, passenger amenities, provision of toilets, lifts and escalators, elimination of un-manned level crossings and security, among other issues. He also reviewed the progress of construction of Pit Lines at Silghat station, which is essential for starting train services to and from Silghat. He instructed concerned officials to expedite the work so that passenger services can be started at an early date, the release said.
