Railway minister gives an e-makeover to his image ahead of reshuffle

 Ahead of the cabinet reshuffle, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu reached out to stakeholders of railways, including passengers, to tell them how much he has achieved during his 18 months in office.

In a gigantic public relations exercise, which might have reached out to more than one crore people by now through email, the minister has sought “participation” in “transforming India” through “transforming railways”.

Prabhu’s letter will reach about 4 crore people in next two to three days, a high official told Deccan Herald. The emails are being sent through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a public sector arm of railways which looks after e-ticketing. 

The exercise began on Saturday, right in the midst of the talk of a reshuffle and is being seen as a move to give himself an image of a “performing minister”. The minister has attached an e-book of achievements of Indian Railways during his term.  The letter which refers to the Prime Minister in its opening sentence has many things to say, including the pronouncement that he would continue his journey with Indian Railways. His assertion could be interpreted as an indication that cabinet reshuffle would not affect him.

“It is our Honourable Prime Minister's firm belief that Indian Railway has the potential to become the backbone of India's progress and economic development,” says the letter.

“18 months ago, when I took over the reigns of this great organisation called Indian Railways, I was faced with many challenges. I had the option of making small incremental changes or go beyond business as usual. I chose the latter,” claims Prabhu in the letter.

“While I continue my journey on this noble mission of `Transforming India' through `Transforming Railways,`I seek your increased participation and support,’ Prabhu has said.