Railway on track despite obstacles - GMR
by Lalin Fernandopulle
Despite obstacles the Railway Department will launch programs to
improve the services next year, said General Manager, Railway
Department, Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan.
 He said programs will be launched to develop signal lights, minimise
train delays, import locomotives, set up a carriage building plant,
double track in certain areas and reduce speed limits in danger prone
areas.
He said the administrative structure is an obstacle to implement
programs and take speedy action to improve the railway services. A
structural reorientation is vital to stop the deterioration. What is
important is to have a management oriented structure and not mere
administrative work.
Commuters need a more people friendly and well managed organisation
that will provide them a safe and comfortable journey.
He said "Next year we hope to ensure that people will travel in
trains and not on trains", the General Manager said.
He said that he is unable to take decisions due to various
restrictions and the daily administrative work. There needs to be an
efficient management to change a structure which is archaic.
Administration work alone will not help to improve the railway
service. The responsibilities of a General Manager should not be
confined to only administrative work", Dr. Gunaruwan said.
A public service cannot function smoothly due to restrictions. There
should be flexibility to exercise powers.
Due to decisions taken at various levels the procedure to implement a
program takes over a year. Management, discipline, financial,
procurement, recruitment and transfers have come to a virtual standstill
due to decisions taken at different levels.
He said the role of the General Manager of the Railway Department is
similar to a glorified clerk.
Though there are over 200 trade unions, many of them have contributed
to make vital decisions. Trade unions have the right to make their
demands as long as they do not infringe on the rights of commuters, he
said.
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