Mysuru/Bengaluru: Emphasising transparency and accountability in governance, Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna stated that the tendering process in Indian Railways operates independently without political interference, reflecting the administrative framework under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Speaking to media after a window trailing inspection of the Bengaluru–Mysuru railway section, Somanna clarified that neither ministers nor political leaders interfere in tender allocation or execution of railway projects. “There is no system of percentage or favouritism. Officials are fully empowered to execute works transparently,” he said.
Highlighting the decentralised administrative structure, Somanna explained that railway अधिकारियों hold significant financial powers. Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) and General Managers (GMs) are authorised to approve and execute projects within defined limits, ensuring faster decision-making and accountability.
He noted that General Managers have administrative powers up to ₹100 crore, while higher-level approvals extend up to ₹500 crore through the Railway Board Chairman. Beyond this, decisions are taken at the ministerial and Cabinet level under Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Somanna stressed that this structured delegation of powers ensures that tenders are processed, awarded, and executed by officials themselves, eliminating scope for manipulation. “Every rupee is accounted for. Transparency is maintained at every stage,” he said, attributing the system to governance reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the same time, the Minister criticised delays in key railway projects in Karnataka, attributing them to lack of cooperation in land acquisition and approvals at the state level. He pointed out that while the Centre is ready to fund and execute projects, progress is often hindered due to bottlenecks in state processes.
Somanna urged the state government to facilitate pending projects such as Bengaluru–Chamarajanagar and Mysuru–Kushalnagar connectivity, stating that timely coordination is essential for accelerating development.
Reiterating the Centre’s stance, he said that the railway system today is driven by transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring that infrastructure growth directly benefits the public without delays or irregularities.
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