New Delhi, Sept 09: Basanagouda R Patil today took over as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways. He succeeds Bandaru Dattatreya, following his transfer as Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (independent charge). Patil was earlier minister of state for textiles. The chairman, railway board, Shri R K Singh, other members of the board and senior officials of the ministry welcomed the minister and apprised him of the functioning of Indian Railways and the latest policy directions under which the railways were functioning. The minister was also informed how Indian railways have been a profit-earning system.

Later, talking to media persons, Patil said that safety would be the first and foremost priority apart from security of passengers, punctuality of trains, passenger amenities and cleanliness.
He said that he would strive hard to raise the productivity of Indian Railways.
Bureau Report