Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, a Central University under the Ministry of Railways, marked the observance of “National Rail Transport Day 2024” on April 16, 2024. Distinguished leaders and experts convened to commemorate the occasion and share insights on the event’s theme, “Technology and Skills for the Railways Sector.”
Manoj Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, reflected on the historical significance of Indian Railways, which commenced its journey on April 16, 1853, underscoring its evolution into the nation’s lifeline. He noted the substantial growth trajectory of Indian Railways, accommodating approximately 648 crore passengers and transporting a record 1591 million tonnes of freight in the past year. Mr. Choudhary expressed gratitude to DB Engineering & Consulting, Aditya Bharadwaj, and Milind Nirmal for their sponsorship of the event.
Former Chairman of the Railway Board and ex-CMD of Air India, Ashwani Lohani, underscored the burgeoning transportation sector, stressing the imperative of human resources and leadership skills development alongside advancements in technology.
Speaking at the event, Vinay Tripathi, former Chairman of the Railway Board, applauded the progress and contribution of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, reaffirming the values of integrity, diligence, and discipline. He also highlighted the significance of maintenance for ensuring seamless operations.
Delivering his keynote address, Rajendra Prasad, former MD of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation, provided insights into indigenous developments, particularly focusing on the Bullet Train project’s advancement and the growth of India’s infrastructure sector, notably civil engineering.
Moreover, Former MD of Pipavav Railway and Secretary-General of CILT INDIA, Sanjiv Garg, shed light on the market dynamics and the immense growth potential of India’s logistics sector whereas Dr. Satya Gupta, President of the VLSI Society of India (VSI), elaborated on India’s journey toward becoming a hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing the potential benefits for the railways sector.
The faculty, staff, and students of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya were joined by mid-career trainee officers of Indian Railways undergoing the Rail Grinding Technology course, as well as faculty members from the National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara, in celebrating the day together.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya has emerged as a beacon of innovation and progress, propelling the railways sector towards a future defined by cutting-edge technologies and skilled workforce.