Minister tells Railway employees:

Work to a timetable

Suraj BANDARA

If Railway Department officials on the coastline service are unable to work according to a fixed timetable the Transport Ministry will suspend their service and deploy SLTB buses for the transportation of office workers who travel daily by train, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said.

The Minister was travelling on the 'Sagarika' train from Aluthgama to Colombo Fort on an inspection tour yesterday.

He said when trains get delayed for an hour, people blame the Minister and other officials.

"Most of the trains get delayed due to negligence of the employees," he said.

The Minister inquired from the rail commuters while travelling on the 'Sagarika' train about their problems when using public transport. Commuters requested the Minister to take all possible measures to run the trains on schedule. They said if the trains are delayed, they face a lot of problems at office as late attendance is marked against their names.

The Minister told the Railway officials to work in a way that wins the hearts of commuters. This is the only way the Department can become efficient and productive.

He observed that the lack of punctuality is the main reason for train delays.

"This applies to all railway employees especially Station Masters and engine drivers. If they can't work to a timetable their services are of no use," he said.