Railway Ministry enhances 20 times the project sanctioning powers of GMs, DRMs to fast-track infra work

“The proposal for revision of powers of field units for sanction of projects was under consideration of the Board for some time. With a view to fast-track the execution of Railway Projects, it has now been decided by the Board to enhance the powers of GMs (general managers) and DRMs (divisional railway managers) to sanction projects,” said a circular issued by the Railway Board on Wednesday 8 May.

 After this delegation of powers, GMs of various railway zones can now sanction infrastructure projects such as yard remodelling, track renewal, bridge and tunnel work, etc, worth up to Rs 50 crore. It is 20 times more than their previous sanctioning power of Rs 2.5 crore. Senior railway officials called it a big move that will expedite various projects, which used to get delayed in the want of approval from the Railway Board.

“Now GMs and DRMs do not need to move files to the Railway Board for approvals of projects of the financial limit mentioned in the circular. This will reduce red-tapism and accelerate the progress of work,” a senior railway official said.