India is home to one of the largest railway networks in the world. In fact, Indian Railways has the largest rail network in Asia and the world’s second-largest under one management. However, despite several initiatives, last-mile connectivity remains a challenge. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will elaborate his plan on this challenge at ABP Network's Ideas of India 2.0.
The Union minister will take the stage on February 24 of the Ideas of India, which is back this year with the theme "Naya India: Looking Inward, Reaching Out". The annual summit, which brings thought leaders from various fields together to ideate the concept of a new India, will go on till February 25. Vaishnaw will speak at the session titled 'Last Mile Mobility: Connecting the Dots'.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was appointed as the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology in July 2021, has made several notable moves in the government.
One of Vaishnaw's major initiatives has been the implementation of the National Broadband Mission, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to every village in India by 2022. Under his leadership, the government has also introduced several policies and programmes to promote digital literacy and expand access to digital services across the country.
Vaishnaw has also taken steps to modernize the Indian Railways system, including the adoption of new technologies to improve safety and efficiency. He has overseen the implementation of several infrastructure projects and has announced plans to expand the network and improve passenger amenities. He is also undertaking major station redevelopment initiatives to improve last-mile connectivity. He will speak about all these and more at the summit.
This will be the second edition of the Ideas of India Summit. This is being organised at a time of global upheaval. This turmoil is caused by natural events that have disrupted the usual cycle. It is a period of unrest where historical norms are being challenged by forces seeking retribution and renewal. Science is pushing boundaries of what was once deemed impossible, while technology is continuing to democratise society. The annual summit also comes at a crucial juncture as India preps for another Lok Sabha election.
With the upcoming year looking jam-packed, it becomes crucial to understand where India will head with the given circumstances and the thought leaders will chime in with their perspective on the Ideas of India stage.