ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE PROBATIONARY OFFICERS OF INDIAN RAILWAYS AND OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL ENGINEERING SERVICE (ROADS)

Dear Probationers of Indian Railways and Assistant Executive Engineers of the Central Engineering Service (Roads),

You have joined public service at a defining moment in India’s growth story. The nation is moving ahead with the collective resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. As young officers of the Indian Railways and the Central Engineering Service (Roads), you are stepping into roles that directly affect the lives of millions of citizens. Your decisions and actions will have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of life of citizens.

Dear young officers of Indian Railways,

Infrastructure is the foundation upon which modern nations are built. Railways and highways are not merely systems of transport; they are instruments of economic expansion, social inclusion and national integration. When a train reaches a remote village or a highway connects a distant region, it opens immense opportunities for socio- economic development of such regions.

Indian Railways has one of the largest and most complex networks in the world, carrying not just passengers and goods, but also the aspirations of millions. You will require not just technical skill but integrity, compassion and a deep sense of accountability to manage this system. You should always take decisions with the safety, comfort and dignity of passengers at the centre.

You are joining service at a time when Indian Railways is undergoing rapid transformation. From modernization of infrastructure and expansion of electrification to the introduction of advanced safety systems and improved passenger amenities, the organization is evolving to meet future demands. You can contribute effectively to this transformation. You can bring in fresh ideas and leverage technology to strengthen efficiency, improve safety and ensure smooth movement of passengers and freight.

As you begin your journey, you should remember that efficiency must go hand in hand with empathy. An effective system should be inclusive and accessible to all, especially the marginalised sections. True development is the one where no one is left behind. Dear Assistant Executive Engineers of the Central Engineering Service (Roads),

India’s road infrastructure has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years. Highways, expressways and economic corridors are redefining mobility and logistics. These are vital building blocks in the journey towards Viksit Bharat, and you, the young officers, will play a significant role in this transformation.

Your role goes beyond engineering design and policy execution. You should strive to build infrastructure that is not only robust and efficient, but also sustainable and citizen-centric. The roads should not just connect places, but enhance the opportunities of growth, and strengthen the foundations of a developed India.

Dear Officers,

Robust infrastructure reduces logistics costs, boosts trade, attracts investment and enhances productivity. It strengthens national unity by bringing regions and people closer. But you need to remember that numbers alone do not define success. The true measure of your work lies in how it improves the lives of people.

As you move forward, I urge you to uphold the values of public service such as integrity, accountability and commitment to excellence. There will be challenges and moments of difficult decisions. In those moments, let your values guide you. You should always stay curious, keep learning and promote innovation. The choices you make, the standards you set and the dedication you show will leave a lasting impact. You are not just administrators but the enablers of progress and guardians of public trust. I am confident that you will rise to the expectations of the nation and make your families, your service and the country proud.

My best wishes to all of you for a fulfilling and impactful career ahead.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!