Against the backdrop of the Gorakhdham train accident which claimed 25 lives, the new Railway Minister D V Sadanand Gowda today said that safety was an "important" issue for railways which has to be taken care of.
"Safety is one of the important factors that need to be taken care of by the Railway Ministry," Gowda, who has been allocated the crucial infrastructure portfolio.
Death toll in the train accident, that took place near Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, has gone up to 25 with preliminary report suggesting that a fracture in the tracks could have led to the accident.
Observing that there are many challenges confronting the Railways, Gowda said they would brace them and resolve the problems.
The minister said that he has to study all the issues in details and discuss the goals ahead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that "I should discuss with my Prime Minister what his idea is and which aspect we should give focus. I need another 10 days time to come before the public to explain what is the road map before me."
Asked about a project to run bullet trains in the country, he said the concept has already been emphasised by the Prime Minister during his election campaign.