After being appointed as Railway Minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet, D.V. Sadananda Gowda is now a busy man. Even during his visit to Manglaore, Gowda was busy holding meetings with Southern Railway and Konkan Railway officials till about 11 pm where the officials briefed him about projects and requirements.
People from all sections queued up in front of his house till midnight with memorandums on the construction of a railway underpass to carving out a separate Mangalore division. Mr Gowda who patiently listened to their demands, told them that the portfolio was new for him and sought time to understand the problems.
Mr Gowda is one among the few Union ministers who was elevated to the post after serving as Chief Minister. He plans to bring about a major change in the railway department with good governance and innovations.
You have been given a big responsibility of the Railways. Did you ever think you would get this portfolio? What do you think might be the reason which made Mr Modi select you as Railway Minister?
To be frank I never thought of getting such a big department. I do not know why Modiji selected me. But I have done whatever I could when party gave me responsibilities as MLA, state president, opposition leader, national vice president and even Chief Minister. I feel Modiji must have considered my honesty. I was able to provide good governance as CM even when there were internal problems in the party. This too might be a reason for my selection. Otherwise I don’t think there is any special reason for my selection. He might have also given this to me to test and see how I would perform.
What did Mr Modi expect from you during the meeting with him after you took charge?
During our meeting he was very clear. He asked me to provide a non-corrupt good governance, discipline in the department and innovations using latest technology.
You have been stressing on innovation. Can you explain?
My dream is to bring something new other than our usual work like laying tracks, constructing stations and carving out new divisions. There is a need to give a new touch to the railway department. Railways should not just mean passengers and goods. There is a need to do something new.
For example a Railway University can be set up where we will have a talent pool that is needed for the department. There can be innovations even in railway stations. We can have a structure where the railway station would be at the basement and above we can have hotels, malls and theatres which can be given on lease to private players. This would not only generate revenue but also help us in creating permanent assets. Similarly on both sides of the track we can plant saplings so that it will help in environment protection and also generate assets.
Innovations can be inside the trains too. Trains can have cold water producing units or some mechanism where power to run the train can be generated within the train like it is done in some foreign countries.
People can also give their suggestions. I already get several mails on my personal email id. Shortly I will also activate my twitter and facebook accounts where people can give their suggestions.
What plans do you have to improve Railway connectivity?
Railway connectivity should be improved so that railway becomes synonymous with development. Like the golden Quadrangle road initiated by Vajpayeeji, why shouldn’t we have a Railway quadrangle for the movement of speed trains? At present there is the Rajdhani express to connect capitals of each state to Delhi. But there can be similar trains which pass through all capitals. Railways should reach every corner of the country. These are some of my ideas.
What measures have you taken to understand the problem of all Railway divisions?
As a first step I have asked all zones to provide me a two page report comprising their priorities. I also have asked them to explain to me their problems.
How do you plan to make the bureaucracy work effectively?
The first step to bring change is to change ourselves. Once officials see me working, they too will follow and be active. I work from 9 am to 9 pm and officials too will have to follow and work without any fail.
Do you agree that work is prolonged in the railway department? Do you plan any measures to speed up the work?
It is true that at present, works are delayed. For example In Southern Railway, there are 10 projects for 956 km of railway tracks. The balance cost is Rs 6,520 crore but for 2014-15, the outlay is only 112 crore.
So the total number of years required to complete them considering the present outlay rate is 50 years! I have decided to take measures to put an end to such delay. I will come up with time bound programmes so that work does not get prolonged but will be completed within the specified time.
One of the demands of coastal Karnataka is to have a separate Mangalore division.
It is true that this has been a long standing demand. I will discuss the issue with the officials after the budget and take further steps.
Will you implement a fare and freight hike?
In case the hike is essential, People do not mind an increase if they are provided good service. Though a section may complain initially, they will agree once they see the changes we initiate.
There is an allegation that your predecessor provided freebies from the railway coffers. What steps have you taken on this?
I have asked the Chairman to submit a report as soon as I came to know about this. If such freebies were given, then it is a mistake. However there will be no political vengeance.
Coming to politics you are from the Vokkaliga community. Have you taken any step to consolidate the Vokkaliga votes in Bangalore North constituency?
Just consolidating Vokkaliga votes will not help as Vokkaligas are about 4.5 lakh out of 24 lakh voters in my constituency. We have taken measures to win over all sections including Vokkaligas.
