24 Feb :The Minister of Railways Shri Lalu Prasad has released a book, titled ‘Disaster Management in the Indian Railways’ authored by Dr. R.Velu, the Minister of State for Railways, at a function here today. Also present on the occasion were the Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, the Minister of State for Railways Shri Naranbahi J.Rathwa, Vice Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority, General N.C.Vij, Chairman, Railway Board Shri S.S. Khurana, DG, RDSO, Shri H.S.Pannu and other senior officials of Ministry of Railways.
Congratulating Dr. Velu for his book on the occasion, Shri Lalu Prasad said that the Indian Railways is the lifeline of the nation and has frequently played an important role in the management of all kinds of disasters. He said that Dr. Velu’s individual efforts to review disaster management on Indian Railways through his book are commendable. He opined that this book will not only benefit the students and researchers engaged in the study of disaster management but will also go a long way in helping the Railway administration to review and implement the suggested recommendations so as to bring further improvement in disaster management activities on Indian Railways.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of state for Railways, Shri Naranbhai J. Rathwa showered praise on Dr. Velu for being able to produce such a meaning full document despite his busy schedule in the course of his engagements as the Minister of State for Railways. In his welcome address, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri S. S. Khurana thanked Dr. Velu for selecting this relevant subject for his research work and also for shaping his work into this wonderful book which could set a roadmap for the Ministry of Railways for further improvement in disaster management.
Dr. Velu said that his book presents in details the existing system and changes creeping into the Railway system. Dealing of similar incidents by the other international railway systems is also discussed for the sake of comparison which proceeds to reaffirm the holistic approach as is now being followed in the Indian Railways too, he added. He expressed his gratitude to General N.C.Vij, Vice Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority and is members for sparing their precious time for discussions on the subject and also express his sincere thanks to the faculty of the Department of Politics and Public Administration and Vice Chancellor, University of Madras for facilitating the study which helped him get the Doctorate and for giving shaping this book.