Cabinet reshuffle: Suresh Prabhu congratulates Piyush Goyal on becoming new railway minister

New Delhi: Piyush Goyal was Sunday made the new railway minister, after a spate of train accidents derailed Suresh Prabhu’s run. [caption id=“attachment_3452728” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Piyush Goyal. PTI[/caption] Prabhu, a chartered accountant by profession, retained his cabinet rank in the reshuffle and will take over as the new commerce and industry minister. Goyal, who was the Minister of State with independent charge for power, coal, new and renewable energy, was elevated to the cabinet rank in Sunday’s reshuffle. Known for a clean image especially after having overseen scam-free auctions of coal blocks, he is also largely credited to have brought about a turnaround in coal production, ending days of domestic short supplies that had led to higher imports. In the power sector, Goyal has managed the difficult task of improving accountability and viability in transmission and tariffs through the Udaan scheme. However, senior railway officials say that taking over the railways at a time when general elections are just two years away could be a major challenge. Goyal not only has to deliver many of Modi’s dream projects like electrification, high speed trains and green corridors, while at the same time reduce, if not eliminate accidents substantially. He also has to find a way to do all this without any substantial rise in prices and at the same time boost railway revenues, they said. Meanwhile, Prabhu congratulated Goyal on his appointment and offered his help to his cabinet colleague. “Welcoming my long time dear friend, colleague @PiyushGoyal to @RailMinIndia. I offer all my help to him to make railways world class. All the best,” he tweeted.

Welcoming my long time dear friend,colleague @PiyushGoyal to @RailMinIndia.I offer all my help to him to make railways world class.all best

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 3, 2017

Earlier on Sunday, Prabhu indicated he was stepping down as the railway minister with a tweet that underlined memories of the time he passed in the ministry. The tweet came minutes after the oath-taking ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where nine new members were inducted into the council of ministers and four others were promoted to the Cabinet rank. “Thanks to all 13 Lacs+ rail family for their support, love, goodwill. I will always cherish these memories with me. Wishing you all a great life,” Prabhu had said in another tweet.

Thanks to all 13 Lacs+ rail family for their support,love,goodwill.I will always cherish these memories with me.Wishing u all a great life

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 3, 2017

Click here for live updates on the Cabinet reshuffle